Newtown High School staff say they are "incredibly pleased" with a positive set of GCSE results after paying tribute to Year 11 pupils' hard work and efforts being rewarded.

More than 150 pupils received their grades to help them progress on to sixth form, college or training. The school said that the results "can only be attributed to the resilience, tenacity, cheerfulness and high spirits of a special group of students".

Many of the pupils who received their GCSE results on Thursday were in Year 7 when the school was closed due to the pandemic. The cohort faced disruption to their schooling in the first years of their secondary education.

Standout results from Newtown High School include Casey Pritchard (eight A*s, three As); Jun Lin (seven A*s and four As) and Jacob Webster with six A*s, four As and two Bs.

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Acting headteacher Natalie Havard shared her immense pride in the students' achievement.

She said: "This year's GCSE results are a testament to the commitment and perseverance of our students, the unwavering support of their families, and the dedication of our outstanding staff. We are incredibly proud of the success they have achieved.

"We must also remember the challenges this cohort of pupils have faced, they have in essence spent every year of their secondary education in the middle, or the aftermath, of the pandemic.

"Today is a time to reflect and celebrate their achievements, it’s so pleasing to see the smiles on the pupils faces and we are so proud of them."

Twin brothers Fenton and Aron Katajamaki, from Abermule, passed their GCSEs with A*s and As.Twin brothers Finton and Aron Katajamaki, from Abermule, passed their GCSEs with A*s and As. (Image: Anwen Parry/County Times)

There were big smiles for Abermule twins Finton and Aron Katajamaki who collected their fantastic results along with their "super proud" mum Riikka.

"I'm celebrating by getting money from my dad for every A* and A so I'm pretty happy with that," Finton said.

"Particularly biology was my strong point and I got an A* in Year 10 and Year 11 in that. I'm pretty happy with it overall."

His brother Aron was also very happy with his results.

"I was feeling nervous coming in because I was actually expecting lower results," he said. "I've got nothing below a B which I'm happy with it. I'm very to have an A* in physics."

Both paid tribute to biology teacher Mr Andrews for helping them and their class get the results they needed.

"Mr Andrews, biology, is the one who pushed me, made it fun and we still learn at the same time," Finton added who will join his brother at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College in September.

Newtown High School student Jacob Webster passed all his subjects with six A*s, four As and two Bs.Newtown High School student Jacob Webster, from Newtown, passed all his subjects with six A*s, four As and two Bs. (Image: Anwen Parry/County Times)

Jacob Webster, who hopes to study physics, maths and biology at Shrewsbury College, says he's going to miss being at Newtown High School.

"There are a lot of great teachers here and it was a great experience overall," he said.

"Shout out to Mr Andrews, Biology: he's a very good teacher. He gets everyone the results."

Newtown High School student Casey Pritchard, from Dolfor, achieved eight A*s, three As and a distinction.Newtown High School student Casey Pritchard, from Dolfor, achieved eight A*s, three As and a distinction. (Image: Anwen Parry/County Times)

Casey Pritchard, from Dolfor, shared his relief that his results were better than expected.

"After doing my exams my confidence was slowly going but it's nice to see that I've done well in the end," he said.

The 16-year-old is looking forward to studying economics, maths and biology at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.

Stand out Newtown High School student Jun Lin achieved seven A*s and four As.Stand out Newtown High School student Jun Lin, from Newtown, achieved seven A*s and four As. (Image: Anwen Parry/County Times)

Chloe Edwards, from Kerry, said she was happy with her results, especially getting a C in science, but also relieved that it's all over. She's going to Shrewsbury Sixth Form College to study criminology, health and social and sociology.

Seren Owen, from Newtown, will also join Chloe in Shrewsbury after doing "pretty well passing everything" to get into college to study statistics, law and sociology.

Chair of Governors, Rob Harper, said: “Well done to all of our pupils who have taken their GCSE's. I hope that your results are as favourable as you thought that they would be.

"I look forward to seeing some of you coming back to Newtown High School to join our flourishing and successful Sixth Form.

"I want to wish you all the very best for chosen next steps, and I’m sure you will all be successful.

"As ever I would also like to thank our superb members of staff for their hard work; and to thank the parents, for their unwavering support."

The school said its Sixth Form applications are still open. More details about all the courses that are on offer, visit www.powys6.cymru