Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, Tom Giffard MS has highlighted the widening of the attainment gap as he congratulates students across Wales receiving their A-level results today. 

“Congratulations to all students receiving their A-Level results today and the teachers and support staff who have worked so hard to get them there,“ he said. 

“It is a testament to the determination and achievement of both staff and pupils to accomplish all they have this year in spite of Labour’s cuts to the education budget, a change to the curriculum and a reduction in teachers.

“Ultimately, there is more to education than just exam results and Wales’ schools deserve better than the underfunding from the Labour Government. That’s why the Welsh Conservatives have a plan to appropriately fund education and save Labour’s lost generation.”

In Wales 1,200 of those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been accepted into University placements, down from the peak of 1,250 in 2023. This is the first examination series in Wales to return to the pre-pandemic grading format. 32,235 A-Level grades have been awarded in Wales, with 10.1 per cent graded A*, 29.9 per cent A* to A and 97.4 per cent A* to E.

“It is a worrying to see that students from a disadvantaged background are being left behind by Labour, with the attainment gap widening. The Welsh Government must come forward with a plan to close that gap,” added Tom Giffard.