Commenting on this year’s A Level and Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification results, Wales Secretary David Evans said:

“The success that our pupils have had in this year’s A Level and Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification proves that education standards and achievement in Wales continues to rise. The substantial increase in the number of students taking the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification shows the enthusiasm that our young people have for gaining a qualification which is of great importance to employers. The A level and Welsh Baccalaureate results combined make for very healthy reading when compared to equivalent qualifications elsewhere.
“Of course we must recognise areas which will be of some concern. The reduction of numbers taking modern foreign languages for instance and Welsh as a second language needs to be addressed and is an issue that should be of concern to the Education Minister.
“We need to recognise also that today’s pupils are studying in an environment where there is ever increasing pressure to succeed. The current economic climate dictates that a high level education is a must for later life whilst the decreasing number of available university places magnifies the competition for acceptance and the stresses placed upon our youngsters.
“Our pupils success has again been achieved despite the inadequacies of funding. The overall percentage of students attaining qualifications at A level is comparable to our nearest neighbours but the funding issues appear to have had an effect on those securing the higher grades at A*, A & B.
“Given the funding difficulties there can be no doubt that schools in Wales are punching above their weight and teachers are enthusing our young people to demonstrate their commitment and enthusiasm for learning. It is only right that we celebrate that success.”