Pupils in Wales collect GCSE results after system change

The GCSE A* to C pass rate in Wales has fallen to its lowest level since 2006, after some of the biggest changes in decades to the exams system.

The exams regulator, Qualifications Wales, said an increase in 15-year-olds sitting exams early was mainly to blame.

The A* to C pass rate fell to 62.8% after it had remained stable at 66.6% for three years.

This summer's 16-year-olds were the first to complete courses in six reformed GCSE examinations.

The new GCSEs are in English language, English literature, Welsh language, Welsh literature, mathematics: numeracy and mathematics, and the regulator said it was confident standards had been maintained.