Just over one-fifth of GCSE entries in Wales this year - 21.7 per cent - attained the top grades of A/7 and above.

That figure is down from the 25.1 per cent last year, but up on 18.4 per cent in 2019, the last year of results before the Covid pandemic.

A total of 64.9 per cent of GCSE grades issued in Wales this year were C/4 or above; a proportion that was also lower than last year (68.6 per cent) and up from 2019 (62.8 per cent).

Meanwhile, 96.9 per cent of entries were grade G/1 or above, compared with 97.3 per cent last year and 97.2 per cent in 2019.

The number of GCSE exam entries in Wales this year was 300,409, fewer than in 2022 (311,072) but more than in 2019 (295,690).

Today’s GCSE results - published by the Joint Council for Qualifications, as Welsh Baccalaureate and vocational qualification results were also released - are in line with expectations. Exams watchdog Qualifications Wales had said that it would be taking a “supportive” approach to grading this year and 2023 results would fall broadly midway between the 2019 and 2022 results; similar trends have been seen elsewhere in the UK.

GCSE results: Wales kept exam aids in place

Advance information was also provided to candidates this year before exams, giving an indication of the topics, themes, texts or other content that students could expect, in recognition of the continuing impact of the pandemic on their learning.

Taking a different approach to England, Wales does not expect to return to pre-pandemic assessment arrangements until 2024.

• Background: Wales GCSE results day 2022
• Related: Welsh A-level results in 2023
• Interview: More generous exam grading “right thing to do”, says Welsh watchdog
• GCSE results England: Attainment gap widens after grading reset 

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said that students in Wales had “shown enormous resilience following the pandemic and these results reflect the hard work of themselves and of all school and college staff”.

He added: “Students’ achievements should in no way be diminished by the move back towards pre-pandemic grading, which was always going to impact overall results, and they are in no way comparable with previous years.

“They have excelled despite the disruption they have faced and this should be celebrated.”

Jeremy Miles, the minister for education and Welsh language, said young people across Wales should all be proud of reaching “this important milestone”. He also thanked teachers for their hard work and dedication in helping students to fulfil their potential.

Mr Miles said: “I welcome these results as our journey continues back to pre-pandemic arrangements.

“It’s inspiring to see what our learners have achieved. These learners have had to face immense challenges impacting on their learning opportunities over the past few years as they’ve progressed through their secondary schooling and on to their GCSEs.

“Don’t be too disappointed or hard on yourself if things didn’t quite go to plan today. Working Wales is a great place for you to discover the choices you have available to you to plan your next steps, or speak to your school for advice and support.”

Philip Blaker, chief executive of Qualifications Wales, also said that students should be proud of their achievements, adding that those who did not get the results they wanted should not worry.

“There are many options available and different pathways to explore, and support will be available if you need guidance,” he said.

Working Wales offers free, impartial advice on what options are available. Click here for details.