Swansea has released its GCSE results for maintained schools, surpassing the Wales national average. The city’s Year 11 students are celebrating results well above the country’s average, despite expectations of lower results in the first year of “normal” exams since 2019. Traditional exams were canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, with additional support in 2022 and 2023. Overall, results in Wales have declined.
In the recent 2024 summer exams, Swansea saw a notable 23.4% of A*-A grades in WJEC exams, compared to Wales’s 19.2%. Over 75% of students achieved higher grades of A* to C in 17 out of 39 subjects. With a pass rate of 96.7% at grades A* to G, Swansea outperformed the Welsh average of 96.6%. A*-A grades were awarded to more than a third of all entrants in 14 subjects.
Subjects including photography, biology, chemistry, drama, French, music, physics, Spanish, and Welsh literature recorded more than 80% of entries achieving grade C or higher. Additionally, over 40% of entries received top A* and A grades in biology, chemistry, French, music, physics, and Spanish.
Swansea Council’s cabinet member for education and learning, Robert Smith, congratulated the students for their achievements and commended the schools and teachers for their efforts. Smith emphasized the various paths open to Swansea’s youth, whether continuing education, training, apprenticeships, or employment, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
The council expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments and encouraged them to explore the diverse opportunities available. The results reflect the dedication and hard work of students, educators, and the community in Swansea, setting a positive tone for the future.