Weeks of anticipation were brought to an end as pupils eagerly ripped open their A-level results envelopes to see if their hard work had paid off.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Pupils collecting their A-level results at Thetford Academy. Picture: Rebecca MurphyPupils collecting their A-level results at Thetford Academy. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Thetford Academy

There was a 59pc pass rate of A* to C grades, this was down on the 71pc achieved last year.

Among the outstanding achievers was Jacob Dean, who is off to the University of East Anglia to study medicine.

Thetford & Brandon Times: A-Level results day at Thetford Grammar SchoolWill Bower talking to Will Honeywood about their resultsPICTURE SUZANNE ABBOTTA-Level results day at Thetford Grammar SchoolWill Bower talking to Will Honeywood about their resultsPICTURE SUZANNE ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The 18-year-old, from Thetford, got As in physics and maths and a B in biology.

He said: “It was better than I expected. I did not think I would get an A in maths. I am buzzing. My heart was going this morning.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Frankie Soan collecting her results at Thetford Acedmy. She is off to Anglia Ruskin University to study performing arts. Picture: Rebecca MurphyFrankie Soan collecting her results at Thetford Acedmy. She is off to Anglia Ruskin University to study performing arts. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

“I will miss the school a little bit but I am ready to move on.”

Paris Phillips achieved an A in English, B in media and C in maths and will be heading to University of Leicester to study law.

She said: “I am just so glad I did not to awfully.”

Thetford & Brandon Times: Jacob Dean collecting his results at Thetford Acedmy. After getting AAB grades, he is off to the UEA to study medicine. Picture: Rebecca MurphyJacob Dean collecting his results at Thetford Acedmy. After getting AAB grades, he is off to the UEA to study medicine. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

MORE- A-level results 2017: Full list of results from Norfolk and Waveney

School principal Kevin Blakey said: “This was a particularly big year group, twice the size of last year, and they have done very well across the curriculum with 100pc A* to C pass rates in subjects as varied as performing arts, information technology, and health and social care.

“A third of our students achieved three or more strong passes, and the number of A grades has topped last year’s national average.

https://twitter.com/BeckyMurphyEDP/status/898100998081830912

“Two thirds of students will be going on to their top university choice. These are great achievements by our talented students and dedicated staff.”

Thetford Grammar School

Thetford & Brandon Times: Courtnye Stares and Libby Appleyard, from Mildenhall College Academy, with their A-level results. Picture: Mildenhall College AcademyCourtnye Stares and Libby Appleyard, from Mildenhall College Academy, with their A-level results. Picture: Mildenhall College Academy (Image: Archant)

76pc of pupils gained grades A* to C, down 5pc on last year.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Pupils at Mildenhall College Academy finding out their A-level results. Picture: Mildenhall College AcademyPupils at Mildenhall College Academy finding out their A-level results. Picture: Mildenhall College Academy (Image: Archant)

One of the top performers was Clemency Wood who achieved an A* in art and design, an A* in biology and an A in geography.

The 18-year-old who is from Norton, near Bury St Edmunds, will be studying history of art at University College London.

“I am really excited,” she said. “I did better than expected in biology and I thought I would do better in geography.

“I have been here for 11 years and there is a lot of sentimental attachment to this place.”

Thetford & Brandon Times: Pupils at Mildenhall College Academy finding out their A-level results. Picture: Mildenhall College AcademyPupils at Mildenhall College Academy finding out their A-level results. Picture: Mildenhall College Academy (Image: Archant)

Headmaster Mark Bedford said: “On behalf of Thetford Grammar School, I am very pleased for our departing students and, of course, their families.

“This is a testament to our young people’s determination and hard work, and the dedication and commitment of all our staff.

“I am mindful that these students lead rich and fulfilling lives - their academic success comes alongside many notable achievements in music, sport, the creative arts and community involvement.

“All of our students, regardless of their ability or aspirations, have made well informed choices about their next steps and I wish every one of them very successful futures.”

Mildenhall College Academy

62pc students achieving A* to C grades, this was down on the 75pc achieved last year.

Amon the students celebrating their successes were Jack McConnell and Bethany Field.

Jack McConnell, 18, passed all of his A-levels despite having a serious medical condition that resulted in long spells in hospital.

He achieved Bs in media studies and history and a D in Music.

Bethany received her results one week before her 18th birthday.

During her time at the sixth form she was diagnosed with a medical condition that causes her to black out.

She gained a B in sociology, a C in philosophy and double Distinction Star in health and social care.

She will now study to be a social worker at the University of East Anglia.

Susan Byles, principal, said: “I am exceptionally pleased with the results from our sixth form students.

“This year sees a further improvement on our overall pass rate, which has risen successively over the past three years.

“I would like to congratulate all of our students who are so deserving of this excellent set of results and I wish them the very best in the future.”