BLAENAU Gwent students celebrated the county borough’s best-ever results, with the pass rate for students achieving five or more A* to C grades breaking the 50 percent barrier for the first time.

It was one percent up from last year to 50.5 percent.

Glyncoed Comprehensive School’s pass rate rose by five percent to 82 percent, which followed the school’s 12 percent increase last year to 77 percent.

Among the students with top grades were Jessica Griffiths, Bradley James and Lowri Morgan, who all got five A*s and five A or B grades.

Headteacher Colin James described the results as an “absolutely fantastic achievement”.

Brynmawr Foundation School saw its pass rate rise by two percent to 64 percent.

Headteacher James Retallick put the increase down to more one-one-one tuition, extra revision sessions outside school hours and staff and pupils’ hard work.

The pass rate at Ebbw Vale Comprehensive School rose to 44 percent and Nicola Smith was among the top achievers with five A*s, six As and a B.