Delighted teachers and students were celebrating a successful set of A-level results.

Nearly all pupils at Hedingham School, in Yeldham Road, Sible Hedingham passed this year’s exams, with 97 per cent gaining their A-level qualifications.

In total 65 per cent of students hit the A* - C pass mark, the same percentage as last year.

The number of pupils getting the big UCAS points and hitting the top end grades of A*- B was 34 per cent, four per cent down on last year.

The school says this year’s results will consolidate its reputation as a high achieving institution.

Headteacher John Panayi said he was delighted with his pupils’ success, despite admitting changes to the exams had made for a challenging year.

He said: “We are pleased with the performances of the students.

“This has been a challenging year for students with the introduction of new, untested qualifications in most of the A Level subjects.

“This level of uncertainty naturally adds more pressure for the staff and students to deal with.

“Hedingham School has continued to work closely with students to ensure that they achieve the currency to move on to the next stage of their career.

“I wish them all a successful future.”

Hedingham School paid special tribute to its IT students, who all came out with distinctions.

There were a number of notable individual performances as well, with Felicity Coulson achieving an A* and two A grades.

Tommy Jones opened his exam results to discover two A* grades and one B, while Ollie Nourse gained two A’s and a B. Megan Jones, Eddie Hoogerwerf, Hannah Carter and Mia Cara-Gibbs also performed very well as they all obtained an A and two B’s.

At Gosfield School one third of all entries achieved A* to A grades.

Student Pip Allen was delighted after securing three A*s in history, sociology and psychology.

She said: “Two As and a B were what I needed to study law and sociology at Warwick so I worked really hard towards that but never dreamed that I would exceed those with three A*s.”

Pip, who has been a student at Gosfield School since she was eight years old, added: “The small classes have really helped me and all of the teachers genuinely care and want you to do well, it’s not just about the grades with them.”

For those students who achieved what they were hoping for, to move on with education, work or training, the day was a celebration with those just missing out still having plenty of options and bright futures.

This year saw a record number of pupils in UK land places at university. I

n total, more than 353,960 people from across the country have been accepted on to courses.

Clare Marchant, UCAS chief executive, said: “I’d advise anyone thinking about securing a place through clearing to take some time to visit universities and colleges in the next few days.

“This weekend’s open days are listed on the UCAS website. Seeing everything in person can help you make the right decision.

“If you decide your next step isn’t a degree though, information on apprenticeships, gap years, and career options is also available on ucas.com.”

Call 03714680468.