Thousands of students across Wales collect A-level exam results

Careers Wales says although most school leavers choose to go on to further education an increasing number are exploring other options.

They say University is not the be all and end all. There are other options out there.

Alexandra Lodge has been to meet one woman who decided to take up an apprenticeship scheme after she didn't get the grades to get to University a year ago:

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A young couple from Cardiff will continue their romance at University - having both been accepted into Oxford after getting straight As.

Joseff Reed and Nia Williams, both 18, were determined not to end their school romance - and helped each other through their applications.

They began dating 12 months ago at Welsh-language Ysgol Gymraeg Glantaf High School.

The couple say they can't wait to pack their bags and move from their homes in south Wales to begin their studies in Law and German and Philosophy respectively.

The largest teachers' union in Wales has issued its congratulations to students and teachers across the country, as thousands collect their A level and Baccalaureate results.

Chris Keates, the General Secreatary of the NASUWT, says today is a day of celebration for the hard work put in at schools around Wales, particularly at a time of "unprecedented change" to the qualification system.

The overall Pembrokeshire pass rate at A-level is 96.6% compared to the Welsh average of 97.3% - down 2.2% on the previous year.

The percentage of students who gained A* and A grades is also down compared to the Welsh average with 18.2% of Pembrokeshire pupils achieving the top marks.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has admitted improvement is needed in some areas, as students across Wales collect their A level and Welsh Baccalaureate results.

It comes as the number of students achieving top grades has fallen this year, with the percentage of candidates gaining an A* 6.6% lower than in 2015.

The overall pass rate though remains high in Wales, with 97.3% receiving A*-E grades and 73.8% achieving A*-C grades.

In Maths Wales again outperformed England with 43.2% attaining A*- A grades.

A record number of A-level students have achieved a place at university, the chief executive of Ucas has said.

Mary Curnock Cook said 424,000 students will be offered their first or second choice of degree course.

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are now 7% more likely to go to university, following a drive in social mobility.

She told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "It's 424,000 placed - the highest ever on A-level results day. It's up 3% on last year."

"It does mean that young people now are something like 4% more likely to be going to university because, although the population was down a bit this year we've actually seen a rise in the numbers, so that's really good news."