Schools in Ipswich will be welcoming back their Year 13 students today ready to hand out their all-important A-level results.

Ipswich Star: Pupils get their A-level results at St Alban's Catholic High School, IpswichPupils get their A-level results at St Alban's Catholic High School, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Of almost 3,000 students which sat A-level examinations across the county, 98.5% achieved A*-E grades, up from 98% last year, with 76% of grades achieved at A*-C, down from 77% last year.

It comes against a backdrop of record numbers of pupils gaining places at UK universities.

Northgate High School in Ipswich has maintained its A*-E percentage, with 99% of all grades achieved by its 228 Year 13 students being at A*-E, and 80% at A*-C (82% in 2015).

David Hutton, headteacher at Northgate High School, said: “I am delighted to once again report excellent results.

“For example, one of our students achieved five straight A* grades, with the vast majority of his peers also equalling or bettering the grades they sought to fulfil their future aspirations.

“Congratulations to them all and good luck for the future.”

Ipswich School students have maintained their A*-A grade success in this year’s exams, with more than half of all exams receiving A* or A grades. A total of 38 students achieved at least three A grades or above this summer.

There were 113 students taking A-Level exams at the school. 92.9% of exams were graded A*-C and 99.7% were graded between A* and E.

Headmaster Nicholas Weaver said: “With our largest cohort of students for four years, these results represent much hard work and effort by our young people over the last two years, and I would like to congratulate them all.

“The grades recognise the determination of the sixth formers, their teaching staff and parents who I know support them wholeheartedly.

“We are very proud of our students and staff, and wish our year 13 leavers all the best with their future studies.”

At St Alban’s High School, which had 75 students sitting A-level exams this year, 98% of results were at A*-E, the same as last year, while 68% of results were at A*-C - down from 77% last year.

Principal Colin Walker said: “Each year we are delighted to help sixth form students grow and mature during their studies at St. Alban’s; diversity in ability and aptitude is celebrated and all are encouraged to strive for their best.

“I wish all our leavers well for the future and wish to thank staff, pupils and parents for the successful partnership which has been created.”

Kesgrave High School maintained 98% of its 172 pupils scoring A*-E grades, while 72% scored A*-C, down from 78% last year.

Headteacher Nigel Burgoyne said: “Students at Kesgrave excelled with 72% of grades at A*- C and were rewarded for their hard work and commitment.

“The progression onto the university and higher apprenticeship courses of their choice was exceptionally strong.”

Ipswich High School for Girls once again celebrated a 100% pass rate for A*-E grades.

It’s 29 students also managed to secure 78.6% of results at A*-C.

Over 40% of results were A*s or A grades, and more than 30% of Year 13 students received at least one A* among their results.

For the first time this year, the school has three of its A-level students going on to begin apprenticeships - one with BT, one in the equine industry and another in terrorism insurance.

Director of sixth form, Rob Hastings, said: “I am so proud of our sixth form students this year.

“I am new to the school and was instantly impressed by the ambition, intelligence and approach of our girls when I started at Easter this year.

“Our A-level results and university destinations reflect the vast interests and individuality of our students in the sixth form.

“Our bespoke approach to the sixth form curriculum, small-group innovative teaching and tailored careers advice has played a pivotal role in the success of our girls.”

St Joseph’s College had 63 students collecting their A-level results today, with 61% achieving A*-C, down from 68% last year.

Almost a quarter were A*-A grades while 93% scored A*-E.

Danielle Clarke, principal of St Joseph’s College, said that she was delighted that a number of students had achieved a clean sweep of exceptional A-level grades and places at Russell group and other high-ranking universities, including Bath, Imperial College, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

She added: “The students’ success was attributed to their academic endeavour and the unstinting support of the college’s teaching staff.”

At One, formerly known as Suffolk One, 77% of pupils achieved A*-C while 98% enjoyed A*-E, both a slight decrease from last year’s 80% and 99% respectively.

Principal Alan Whittaker praised the work of the sixth form’s 519 students, and said: “We have made excellent progress in terms of our results since opening six years ago and this year students have yet again excelled themselves.

“We are delighted with the results of our students. They are above the national averages for A2, AS and vocational programmes.”

“They – the results – are a real testament to all the hard work that has been achieved by our students and staff.”

The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook reported 77.4% A*-C grade of its 84 pupils, while 97% scored A*-E.

Headmaster Simon Lockyer said: “I am delighted to report that our 2016 A-level pass rate reflects the continued benefit of the breadth in our curriculum that provides opportunities for all our pupils and opens pathways beyond RHS.

“This year considerably more RHS pupils have secured their first place choice of university including Cambridge, UCL, St Andrews, Durham, Exeter, York and Warwick and on courses as diverse as Medicine, History, Natural Sciences, Economics, English Literature, Engineering and Anthropology.

“We are also delighted that a number have secured competitive apprenticeships, places at international universities, as well at the Conservatoire of Scotland. Many will have surpassed more than they had dreamed possible.”

At Copleston High School the percentage of A*-E grades achieved was 96% while 68% of grades were in the A*-C bracket.

The school’s principal, Shaun Common, congratulated his students on their achievements.

“Our students and staff have worked extremely conscientiously throughout the last two years to ensure the best possible outcomes,” he said.

“We have some outstanding individual performances which highlight the dedication our students commit to their studies.

“Throughout the last two years our sixth form students have made a huge contribution to the school as well as achieving these wonderful results.”