STUDENTS at Colwyn Bay’s Rydal Penrhos received their GCSE results today, with staff commending them for “rising to the occasion”.

Year 11 pupils were able to cope with ever-changing circumstances, with many eventually experiencing examination settings for the first time after a significant period of disruption due to Covid-19.

37 per cent of the school’s GCSE candidates secured A* (9-8) grades, with 57 per cent falling in the A*-A (9-7) category as a result of their exceptional efforts.

This far exceeds the national average in Wales for those with A*-A grades, which stands at 25.1 per cent.

The number of pupils securing pass rates from A*-B or 9-6 was 81 per cent.

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A total of 97 per cent of all grades were A*-C or 9-4, which far eclipses the national average in Wales of 68.6 per cent.

There were a host of individual triumphs, with Lily Davies among the top performers after gaining seven A* grades, four 9s and a Distinction in Additional Mathematics.

Another pupil with plenty to celebrate was Ruby Merrick, who secured four A*'s, five 9s and an A grade.

Kosi Iwobi also shone after attaining seven A*s, one 9, one A, a Distinction in Additional Mathematics, and Distinction 2 in Engineering.

Jonathan Osbourne, who combines his studies with North Wales Athletics training, was rewarded in fine style with four A*s, two 9s, two 8s, a Distinction in Additional Mathematics and Distinction 2 in Engineering.

It was a similar story for Leo Weis thanks to his outstanding academic development, which led to three A*s, two 9s, two As and a Distinction in Additional Mathematics.

Others to achieve success were Martha Hind (4 A*s, three 9s, A, 8, Distinction), Prune Chasteau (4A*s, two 9s, 2As, 8, Distinction), Edward Altoft (3 A*s, 2 As, three 8s, Distinction), Gwyn Davies (A*, 3 As, 9, two 8s, 7), Emily Jones (3 A*s, 4 As, 8, Distinction), Fayeth Jones (5 As), Zac Roberts (2 A*s, 9, A, 7, Distinction), Ada Vonbank (A*, two 9s, A, 8, three Bs) and Ivo Vonbank (3 A*s, 3 As, 9, two 8s, Distinction).

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John Waszek, Executive Principal of Rydal Penrhos, said: "A strong cohort supported by some really dedicated teaching has once again resulted in some exceptional marks at GCSE. Something that everyone at Rydal Penrhos is immensely proud of.

"It's been a difficult period of transition for our pupils, who had little experience of performing in an examination environment before this year.

“Thankfully, they rose to the occasion and our teaching staff ensured they were fully prepared not only during their studies, but also with preparation methods, revision techniques, and how best to relax in a pressurised setting.

"This also included a GCSE Revision Week that was open to others across the community at a critical time.

“Congratulations to our Year 11 on their success and to the families that supported them at every turn."

Follow our live blog for the latest updates on GCSE results across North Wales.