GCSE students from St Cyres are celebrating their record achievements as GCSE results rise in the Penarth school.

The UK has seen a slight edge upwards in GCSE results this year and St Cyres is definitely following that trend.

Headteacher Dr Jonathan Hicks said:

''This week our Year 11 pupils have once again achieved record-breaking results in their GCSEs.

''Our Capped Nine points score, which is used as the main benchmark of achievement in Wales this year, has risen from 353 last year to 361 this year.

''This is very pleasing and represents the highest figure in the school's history. In addition, 18% of our pupils achieved 5 or more A*-A grades - again the highest-ever figure for the school.

''I should like to pass on my warmest congratulations to all of our pupils and to publicly thank our tremendously committed and skilled staff for all their hard work this year.

''These two wonderful sets of results, plus our recent excellent Key Stage 3 results, all show that St Cyres School is providing an excellent education for local children.

We are proud to serve the local community in our superb building and grounds, and will be endeavouring to achieve even greater success in 2020.

''On a personal note, as I am leaving St Cyres this month to take up two new advisory posts, I should like to pass on my gratitude to the staff, pupils, parents and governors of St Cyres whose support has facilitated these fabulous 2019 results, and indeed the huge improvement in standards at St Cyres School since I became headteacher in 2010.

''I wish everyone well for the future.''