It was all sunshine and smiling faces outside Penarth schools this morning as GCSE students received their grades.

After a week of chaos and U-turns, Welsh students were awarded the marks predicted by their teachers.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has led to a record breaking 99% passing their exams across Wales, with one in four receiving at least one A*.

Though students at Stanwell School received their grades via email in the early hours of this morning. A dramatic 49% of students gained 5 or more A* to A grades.

Amelia Brennan topped the tree, earning an impressive 15 A*s and 1 A.

Mr C Ashton, Head of Year 11 said, "we are delighted for the students; their dedication has been justly rewarded. This academic year has thrown up many unexpected challenges and they are ready to move on to the next phase of their lives and studies with the vast majority opting to stay on at Stanwell for the sixth form."

School was open this morning for students to register for sixth form next year. We spoke to some of them, who all got what they wanted.

Hadhi Chowdury received 4A*s, 5As and 5Bs.

"I got the grades that I wanted and didn't even have to put any work in, so that's a huge win for me," Hadhi told Nub News.

He says his results came as a relief after a stressful week.

"When I saw the A-level algorithm controversy I was pretty scared and then relieved when I saw the switch to teacher predicted grades.

"I think the predicted grades were pretty accurate in my opinion - I think they reflect what I would have got it if I sat the exam."

Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams visited Stanwell School today to meet the media. She has apologised for her role in the algorithm confusion, but Hadhi doesn't think she has anything to be sorry for.

"To be honest, the Welsh government were the first to scrap the algorithm and use teacher assessed grades, so I can't blame them."

Lucia Davis was less complimentary. Though she received the grades she hoped for (2A*s, 4 As, B and C), Lucia blames the politicians for causing undue stress.

"The whole thing has been absolutely shocking. To see everything being so last minute and all those protests was actually quite pathetic on the behalf of the government," she told Nub News.

"Honestly, I cried when I found out we wouldn't be taking our exams and that an algorithm would be used. But now I'm so relieved to see that they used teacher assessed grades and to get what I know I deserve."

Faculty member received the Education Minister's visit warmly, with Mr M Lewis, Assistant Headteacher, saying:

"We are pleased that the Minister and Government listened to the concerns of teachers, students and parents and we welcome the decision to