THE number of students passing five or more GCSEs at C or above in Caerphilly rose to 61 percent - a seven percent increase on last year and the highest increase in Gwent.

Oakdale Comprehensive School's headteacher Chris David said he was “walking on water” after the number of his pupils achieving GCSE passes increased by more than 30 per cent over the past three years.

In total, 71 per cent of the 141 pupils at Oakdale achieved at least five A* to C grades, up from the 2009 pass rate of 59 per cent.

The pass rate for the school in 2008 was 45 per cent and in 2007 it was 40 per cent.

Mr David said: “I am so proud of the pupils, parents and staff who have all worked hard to see this huge increase.”

Included in those celebrating were twins Abbie and Megan Clifford, 16. Abbie gained one A*, seven As, seven Bs and one C grade, while Megan achieved four A*s, eight As and three Bs.

The school also saw some year nine and 10 pupils gain GCSE or part GCSEs early.

Newbridge Comprehensive School’s pass rate increased by 12 percent from last year to 74 percent.

Joe Dixey, 16, from Abercarn, achieved 12 A*s at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni.

He said: "I was speechless when I opened my results. I really did not think I was going to do it, so I was amazed."

Pontllanfraith Comprehensive pupils achieved the school’s best ever results with 98 percent of entries graded at A* to G, while headteacher at Risca Comprehensive, John Kendall said he was also delighted with his pupils’ results.

Overall in Caerphilly, the percentage of grades awarded at A* C increased from 60.8 in 2009 to 61.1 this year.