Students in Powys were celebrating today after another record-breaking year for A-level results.

Scores of teenagers are looking forward to spending the next three years at university after it was revealed nationally the pass rate had risen for the 28th year in a row.

It is the first year students have been able to get an A* grade – the new top grade – and one in 12 across the country got top marks in one or more subjects.

Leading the way with a 100 per cent success rate was Llanidloes High School.

Dr Simon Creasley, assistant headteacher, said the results had been “outstanding.” He said 82 per cent of pupils had gained A*-C grades and 36 per cent achieved A*s and As.

At Caereinion High School in Llanfair Caereinion students achieved a 99.2 per cent success rate. Headteacher David Evans said 71.1 per cent of pupils got A*-B grades.

Llanfyllin High School achieved a 77 per cent of pass rate at A* -C grades. There were outstanding individual performances including six students who achieved three or more A*/A grades. Carl Mincher, headteacher, said he was pleased to see students enjoy the rewards of all their hard work.

At Welshpool High School, headteacher, Jim Toal, congratulated students and staff and said 78 per cent of pupils had gained A*-C grades and students had achieved a 98 per cent pass rate. Outstanding were Rhys Price with four A* grades; Frances Ryan with two A*grades and two A grades; Jed Sadler with two A* grades and one A grade and Bridget Randall-Smith with one A* grade and three A grades.

At Newtown High School 50 per cent of pupils achieved A*-B grades, a 56 per cent rise on last year. Angela Francis, assistant headteacher and head of sixth form, said the school had a pass rate of over 98 per cent.

At Llandrindod Wells High School 98 per cent of students got an overall pass rate.

By Anwen Evans