A-level pass rates in Wales has risen slightly, by 0.1% on last year, to 96.9% , with the number of A grades also rising 0.2% to 23.9%. Girls have continued to outperform boys with 52.5% gaining a Grade B or above compared to 46% for boys.
Just over 63% of Welsh baccalaureate students achieved the advanced diploma, compared to fewer than half last year.
Education Minister Jane Davidson congratulated students and rubbished claims that the exams were easier.
According to results on Thursday, just over 63% of Welsh baccalaureate students achieved the advanced diploma, compared to fewer than half last year.
Ms Davidson said all "can justifiably be proud" of the results and that Wales was "leading the way" with the baccalaureate exam.
Critics such as former chief inspector of schools in England Chris Woodhead, have previously argued that the exams have been "dumbed down".
Ms Davidson said: "Sadly, there are those who would wish to cast doubt on the standard of A-levels, claiming that these excellent results are due to the exams getting easier, but that is rubbish."
 | CLEARING NUMBERS Aberystwyth 01970 622 000 Bangor 0800 085 1818 Cardiff 029 20876000 Swansea Institute 0800 7310884 Newport 01633 435000 Lampeter 01570 424600 Swansea 01792 295097 Trinity, Carmarthen 01267 676767 University of Glamorgan 0800 716925 NEWI 01978 293439 UWIC 029 20416 040 |
She said the schools inspection body Estyn had confirmed that "standards continue to improve across Wales".
That view was backed by the schools union NASUWT which warned against an "annual ritual of carping and criticism" casting "a shadow over years of work by students and teachers".
The union said any improvement in exam results should be celebrated, and not analysed to "destruction".
Meanwhile, recent figures released by universities admissions service Ucas revealed that the number of students applying to study at universities in Wales had also risen, in contrast to the overall UK trend which saw numbers fall.
In July Ucas revealed that students applying to university in the UK had fallen by 3.5%, while the numbers applying to Welsh institutions rose slightly.
From September, students going to English universities will have to pay higher fees of up to �3,000 a year, unlike students at Welsh universities.
The national exam results helpline gives impartial and confidential information and advice on 0808 100 8000.
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