Welsh Labour's Education Minister Jane Hutt has today congratulated pupils across Wales on their achievements as they collected their GCSE and Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification results.

She said: "Once again Welsh students have every reason to celebrate; they should all be very proud of their achievements as should their parents and teachers.

"Pass rates for GCSE have improved again this year and a greater proportion of GCSE entries are gaining the higher pass grades.

Today also saw the publication of the first Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification results across the 14-19 age range at Foundation and Intermediate levels.

Jane Hutt added: "Over a thousand students have been awarded the full Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma at either Foundation or Intermediate level. This is really significant achievement for these young people and I congratulate them all. The results bode well for the future of this qualification, as we prepare for roll-out of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification at Foundation level and in Key Stage 4.

"Students collecting results today will be using them to help make life defining decisions about progression into further and higher education, training and employment. This is the start of a great learning adventure for these young people as they go on to gain new knowledge and skills in school, college or the workplace. One thing is for sure; whatever they decide to do next they will be helping secure a prosperous and successful future not only for themselves but for Wales."