THERE was a mixed picture for Gwent schools today as bandings for Welsh schools were released.

St. Albans R.C. High School in Pontypool reversed its 4 ranking from last year by achieving a 1 ranking this year – the highest possible.

Other schools in Torfaen are all in the 4 or 5 bands.

In Newport, Caerleon Comprehensive School slipped from the 2 to 4 band, while Bassaleg School stepped up to band 2 from 3. St Joseph's RC High School went down from 1 to 2 band. Hartridge/Llanwern School fell from band 3 to 5.

Some Blaenau Gwent schools continued to fare badly, with Ebbw Vale Comprehensive School falling from band 2 to 4 and Abertillery Comprehensive School from 4 to 5. Tredegar Comprehensive School stayed in band 5.

In Monmouthshire Caldicot School jumped from band 5 to 3, while there were falls for King Henry VII in Abergavenny, which slipped from band 3 to 5 and Chepstow Comprehensive School which fell from band 3 to 4. Monmouth Comprehensive School stayed in band 3.

Caerphilly continued to boast a band 1 school in Islwyn, with Oakdale Comprehensive School in the top rank. Newbridge fell from band 1 to 2 while Blackwood jumped from band 4 to 2.

FULL LIST OF GWENT SCHOOLS BANDING 2011 AND 2012:

South Wales Argus: 2012 Gwent schools banding