Best ever GCSE results, with poorer pupils doing better

Pupils achieved Wales' best ever GCSE results in the 2014/15 academic year, according to new figures.

Poorer pupils are also catching up with those from better-off backgrounds, provisional statistics combining results from August and earlier in the year indicate.

57.6% of 15-year-olds achieved at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including maths and first language English or Welsh.

That compares to 55.5% in 2013/14 and 44.4% when records began in 2006/07.

'Momentum'

Education Minister Huw Lewis was "delighted", saying the results demonstrated that "our education reform programme really is working".

"The momentum in Welsh education identified by [school inspectorate] Estyn is resulting in real improvements for pupils across Wales," he added.

He said the figures also showed "we are definitely making inroads in changing the fortunes of learners from less advantaged backgrounds and communities".