Thousands of expectant A-level students today embark on a new chapter of their lives, as two years of hard work and study reach fruition.

Results day could prove decisive for the future of many teenagers hoping to take the next step into further education.

Last summer, the region’s A-level results table threw up numerous success stories as well as disappointments, with some schools following the national trend of a dip in the number of students achieving A* to Cs.

A number of schools have already revealed how this year’s crop of students fared, while remaining results are expected to emerge throughout this morning.

At Northgate High School, Ipswich, Jonathan Andvig’s four A* grades in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics exactly matched his sister Rachel’s flawless A-level haul in 2011, narrowly pipping several other students who achieved three A* grades.

But there was a slight drop in the number students achieving grades A*-C and A*-E grades compared to last year.

Headteacher David Hutton said: “While the media rightly focus attention on these exceptional individuals, at Northgate this year no less than 120 students have achieved one or more top A* or A grades, enabling them to take up places at leading universities or enhancing their employment opportunities.

“The high quality teaching and pastoral care provided by Northgate’s staff is a crucial part of our recipe for ongoing success and I would like to thank them for their hard work.

“I would also like to publicly congratulate all of our students and wish them the very best for the future.”

A total of 255 students sat A-levels at Northgate, with 79% achieving grades A*-C, compared to 81% of 251 students in 2012, when 99% achieved A*-E grades – just 1% more than this year.

Hedingham School in Essex celebrates its own successes, 69% of students making the A*-C grade and 98% gaining a pass in their exams.

The results consolidated a positive improvement made by Hedingham students over the last three years, giving special mention to art students who together achieved five A*s, three As and two Cs.

Almost half of Ipswich School’s A level students received A* or A grades for their hard work in this year’s exams, with 10 students getting at least three A* grades.

Headmaster Nicholas Weaver said: “I would like to congratulate our students on their A-level results.

“They recognise the effort put in by these young people over the last two years, and the parents and staff who have supported them.

“We are particularly pleased with these grades as they show that we have improved on last year’s excellent results in every measure.”

Of the 91 students taking A level exams this year at Ipswich School, 49.1% were awarded A*-A grades, 93.2% achieved A*-C grades, and all students came away with A*-E grades.

Students at Suffolk New College achieved a 99% pass rate in all subjects, with 74% of all students’ results graded between A*-C.

College principal Professor Dave Muller said: “Once again we have had a successful year with our A-level results.

“It is great to see our students achieving the good grades that they have worked so hard for.

“Some of our A-level students have got these results while overcoming substantial personal difficulties, which reflects the tireless amount of work and commitment put in by both our students and our staff, and I would like to thank them all for their work.”

You can keep up on all the results as they come in at http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/results-2013