18/08/22
Pupils across Cardiff have today received their A-Level results. This year, learners completed formal exams and assessments for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic, and the WJEC has considered the disruption learners have experienced when deciding grade boundaries
Based on the provisional results announced today, 48.9 percent of A-level results for 2022 are graded A* to A, compared to the Wales figure of 40.9 percent, and Cardiff's 30.7 percent in 2019.
The percentage of A-level entries resulting in A* to C grades has risen to 88.4 percent, an increase of 9.3 percentage points from 2019's 79.1 percent, and above the Wales figure of 85.3 percent.
For entries graded A* to E, the 2022 figure is 98.1 percent, compared with the Wales-wide 98.0 percent, and broadly in line with 2019 Cardiff percentage of 98.2.
The national picture across Wales is that results have been higher than in 2019, when formal exams were last sat, and lower than in 2020 and 2021 when grades were determined by schools and colleges.
Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills said: "Congratulations to all those pupils who have received their A-Level results today. This year has seen the return of formal exams and assessments for the first time since 2019, due to the pandemic, and pupils should be commended for their determination, resilience and the way in which they have had to adapt over the past two years.
"Although not directly comparable to previous years, I am pleased to see that performance across the city this year is up on that achieved in 2019, the last time A-Level exams were sat.
"This cohort will be acknowledged for succeeding despite the challenges and disruption caused by the pandemic and it is encouraging to hear of success stories from across the city. As they begin a new chapter of their lives, I would like to wish our students the best of luck whether they are moving onto university, employment or training."
Cardiff saw more than 3680 entries for A-Levels and more than 4230 entries for A/S Levels, with success stories emerging from every part of the city.
Radyr Comprehensive School
We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our students, but some notable performances include:
Our Head Students Sam Jones and Abbie Morgan achieved a staggering 10 A* grades between them! Sam achieved 5 A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and the Welsh Baccalaureate, whilst Abbie achieved 5 A*grades in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Madeline Cosulich who achieved 4 A*grades in Computing, Mathematics, Psychology and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Holly Chan who achieved 4 A*grades in English Language/Literature, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Welsh Baccalaureate and an A in Physics.
Bethan Hunter who achieved 4 A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Emily Mardon who achieved 5 A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Information Technology and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Huw Riley who achieved 5 A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Gracie Silver who achieved 4 A* grades in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Hannah Smith who achieved 4 A* grades in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Elliot Vas who achieved 4 A* grades in Economics, French, History and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Jessica Veale who achieved 4 A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and the Welsh Baccalaureate
Headteacher Mr Andrew Williams says "We are absolutely delighted with this set of results which shows how incredibly hard this cohort and our staff have worked under very difficult circumstances. Our year 13 students are a credit to Radyr, themselves and their families and we wish each and every one of them the very best as they embark on the next chapter in their lives."
Cantonian High School
Pupils, parents and staff at Cantonian High School are celebrating excellent A-level results today with 93% of pupils securing their first choice at University.
Headteacher, Diane Gill said "I am incredibly proud of the achievements of all our pupils today. Throughout the year our pupils have worked hard to ensure that they achieved the best grades they could and today that hard work has paid off. I am delighted that all our pupils have secured places at the university of their choice where they will continue their studies and I wish them the best of luck for the future.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication which has enabled the pupils at Cantonian High School to secure these excellent results."
Cardiff West Community High School
Some good news stories include Abir Hussainwho despite joining the school late and due to covid spent most of his first year studying computer studies online has achievedthree A's and a B in Computer Studies, Business Studies, Welsh Baccalaureate and Maths.
Alex Loi experienced anxiety due to his autism. He transferred to CWCHS from another college after hearing about the school's calming environment and supportive staff. He has shown great determination and has worked with staff to make outstanding progress to gain three C grades in Business Studies, Sociology and Welsh Baccalaureate
Azan Sheikh is thewinner of the CAER scholarship from Cardiff Uni. This is a special scholarship linked to the school's partnership with Cardiff Uni as part of the CAER heritage project.
Head Martin Hulland said: "We were delighted to hand out examination results to Post 16 students today. It was a pleasure to see the delight on the faces of the students as they received their grades. Nearly all pupils have been able to secure their first-choice place at University."
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr
The majority of our students who applied for Higher Education courses have been accepted to the Universities of their choice.
A message from Headteacher John Hayes, said "Congratulations to all our Year 13 students for their well-deserved success in their A Level, BTEC and Skills Challenge Certificate exams and qualifications this year. The excellent results achieved is a tribute to their ability, endeavour, dedication and perseverance over the past two challenging years. We are extremely proud of the attainment of every one of our students. We wish every student well as they progress to the next exciting period in their lives.
"I am indebted to my staff for preparing their students so well for their A level, Skills Challenge Certificate and BTEC qualifications and who take so much pride in the achievements of their students."
Fitzalan High School
In a statement from the school, a spokesperson said: "Fitzalan staff & Governors are absolutely delighted with both our AS & A Level results. After 3 really challenging years, staff and pupils faced this examination series with a determined, positive attitude and can be justifiably proud of their outcomes.
"Results have surpassed our expectations with the majority of pupils able to progress to their first choice universities or alternative pathways. The AS results are also fantastic and auger very well for next year.
"Well done and thankyou to teaching and support staff for keeping our pupils at the centre of everything, always."
Llanishen High School
Outcomes in all pathways are very strong, allowing students access to worthwhile vocations,career entry and university places. Many students have successfully secured places at arange of universities to pursue a wide range of degree courses.
With 4 A* grades, Thomas Newman, is going to Newnham College, Oxford to study Law.Dayyan Sheikh celebrates his progression to UCL to study Biomedical Engineering. Jessica
Symons celebrates her progression to Bath to study Musical Theatre. Klaudia Galas
celebrates her progression to Cardiff and the Vale College for a skills progression courseleading to wall and plastering.
What's Next?
A wealth of information on education, employment, training and other opportunities is available all in one place for young people in Cardiff considering their next steps ahead of this week's exam results day.
What's Next is an online platform for 16 to 24-year-olds that pulls together useful information all in one place that will help young people decide their next steps, making it quicker and easier to find out about available options for the future.
The platform was launched and developed last year by the Cardiff Commitment - the Council initiative that brings together the public, private and third sectors in partnership, with schools and education providers, to connect children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available in education, training and the world of work.
The site includes information on going to college, university, preparing for work, internship, traineeship and volunteering opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships and even information on starting a new business.
A short animation about the What's Next platform is available to watch here https://youtu.be/xncskRbUm2Q
Visit the platform at www.cardiff.gov.uk/whatsnext
School improvement guidance 2022
In May 2022, the National Resource: Evaluation and Improvement was launched by the Welsh Government and is designed to support schools with self-evaluation and improvement, fundamental to school effectiveness. This national resource aims to support all schools to develop and use a range of approaches and resources to achieve the best possible outcomes for all learners in Wales.
In June 2022, Welsh Government published the School improvement guidance: framework for evaluation, improvement and accountability. National Categorisation and the publication of school, Local Authority and National performance measures has ended, and accountability will be maintained through school governance and Estyn inspections. Estyn has made changes to its inspection approach in schools and pupil referral units, including the presentation of inspection reports which will see the removal of summative gradings and the addition of a key overview of findings focussed on a school's strengths and areas for development. Their inspection framework also supports the new Curriculum for Wales, from September 2022.
In line with the Curriculum for Wales, the school improvement guidance, which came into effect on a non-statutory basis from the date of publication, sets out how arrangements to assess progression must be designed as part of the new curriculum, with requirements that schools include for every learner: ongoing assessment throughout the school year to assess progress; identification of next steps in progress; and assessment of the learning and teaching needed to help bring about that progress.