WALES Education Minister Leighton Andrews praised Welsh students as their exam results came in today.

Joining students picking up their results at Caerleon Comprehensive School, the Minister said: "The young people here at Caerleon Comprehensive, like others across Wales and the UK, deserve to celebrate their results today.

"They've worked hard and deserve credit for what they have achieved.

Parents and teachers should also be applauded for the support they've offered our young people along the way.

"It is also encouraging to see our flagship Welsh Baccalaureate continuing to grow in popularity as more and more young people recognise the added value it offers them when applying for University or entering the work place by developing the skills and attitudes that universities and employers demand".

8,259 students have achieved the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma this year, an increase of 1,311 (18.8%) compared to last year.