Swansea GCSE Results Beat Wales Average Again, 23% Achieve Top Grades

Swansea's students have once again outperformed the rest of Wales in their GCSE exams, with nearly a quarter of pupils earning the highest marks. This year, 23% of city students achieved A* or A grades, comfortably ahead of the 19.6% average across the country.

The results, released by the local education authority, show that Swansea's schools continue to deliver strong academic outcomes. More than 65% of students secured grades A* to C across 28 of the 40 subjects offered, and the overall pass rate (A* to G) reached 97.7%, compared to 96.8% for Wales as a whole.

What do the GCSE results show for individual subjects?

Morriston Comprehensive School reported particularly impressive figures. Its photography students achieved a 100% pass rate at A*-C, while biology (92.6%), physics (90.6%), and art and design (89.5%) also performed strongly.

Nearly half of all art and design grades were A* or A, with photography (42.3%) and geography (42.1%) not far behind. A full 100% pass rate was recorded in art, photography, biology, geography, PE, Spanish, product design, digital technology, fashion and textiles, health and social care, and computer science.

The school also saw excellent vocational results, particularly in creative media production, where almost a third of pupils earned Distinction grades.

How are teachers and students reacting?

Head teacher Karen Williams praised her pupils' efforts.

We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the determination, resilience and commitment they have shown throughout their studies. These results reflect the hard work of our young people, the dedication of our staff and the support of parents and carers.

Among the standout stories is Brooke Walters, a 16-year-old from Bishop Vaughan who collected her results before starting an eight-hour shift at a fast food restaurant.

I just didn't expect it. I actually feel I am able to do hard things. It was such a stressful period, but it's all paid off. Great feelings all round.

She was especially pleased with her A in chemistry, calling it a really difficult subject.

Fellow Bishop Vaughan student Aiden Sebastian said he was all good with his results, including a better-than-expected English grade. He credited his teacher:

He was fun, but when we had to get work done, we got the work done.

Aiden plans to study engineering, maths, physics, and biology at A Level, with an eye on a career in engineering.

What does this mean for education in Swansea?

Robert Smith, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Learning, congratulated all students.

Many congratulations to all the pupils who have done so well and whose hard work has been rewarded today. These achievements also reflect the dedication and commitment of our teachers, school staff and families, who have supported young people throughout their studies. I would congratulate all students, including those completing vocational and alternative qualifications which provide important routes into further education, training and employment.

These results underscore the value of local schools and the importance of letting communities manage their own education. When teachers and parents are free to focus on students, outcomes improve. That is a lesson worth remembering, both here and abroad.