STUDENTS across Ipswich and Felixstowe have learnt their fate this morning, with many schools recording their best ever A-level results.

Many of students will be heading off to university come September, or taking a gap year before continuing their studies at a later date.

For many, the pounding hearts and sweaty palms will be replaced with jubilant celebrations after spending weeks waiting to learn their fate.

At Northgate High School, in Sidegate Lane West, 251 students sat A-levels, with 81 per cent achieving grades A* to C and 99pc achieving A* to E.

Headteacher David Hutton, pictured, said: “I am delighted that very nearly 60% of all A Level awards were graded A* to B, enabling a lot of students to take up places at top universities like Oxford or Cambridge, or study elsewhere on competitive courses like Medicine or Mathematics”

In total 117 students sat the exams at Copleston High School, of which 67pc achieved A* to C and 97pc achieved A* to E.

Principal Shaun Common said: “We would like to congratulate our students and their families on their successes at A Level this year.

“Our students and staff have worked extremely conscientiously throughout the last two years to ensure the best possible outcomes. Most students have achieved their target grades and are delighted with their achievements. Students have done so well that they have produced the highest points per candidate in the History of the school. Our highest achieving students achieved points equivalent to 4A* and 2 grade As.”

At the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook, students had an overall pass rate of 99.7pc, with 83.4pc achieving A* to C grades.

Headteacher James Lockwood told of his joy at the results. He said: “I am confident that our pupils will gain places at a University of their choice despite the increased competition this year. Nearly a third of grades awarded were A*s or As and 13 pupils gained impressive three A grades or above.”

Kesgrave High School had 147 students sitting the exams, with 68pc achieving A* to C grades and 97pc getting A* to E.

Deputy head Ms Cath Breckell said: “A lot of the students got their first place offer and many got their second.

“We’re delighted with them all, they’ve all worked really hard. It’s been a really happy and positive day.”

At Suffolk One, staff are celebrating the first batch of students to receive their A-levels since the institution opened two years ago.

Of the 309 students who sat their A-levels, 73pc received grades A* to C and 98pc achieved A* to E grades.

Vice principal Jenny Milsom said: “Early indications suggest that we have met and exceeded expectations. So we would like to congratulate students and staff on their excellent efforts.”

Students at Suffolk New College were also opening the all-important brown envelopes today.

The college had a 100pc pass rate, with 69pc receiving grades A* to C.

Professor Dave Muller, principal at Suffolk New College, said: “We have had yet another successful year with our A-level results. It is tremendous to see what our students have achieved from their studies, along with the excellent support from their lecturers.”

At Ipswich High School for Girls in Woolverstone, 100pc of the 37 students passed their exams. The school’s English Literature candidates achieved outstanding results with more than 70per cent graded A* and A grades.

While 100per cent achieved A* to E’s, 92.5pc successfully got A* to C.

Head, Elaine Purves, said “We are absolutely thrilled that our students have achieved such well-deserved results. This summer has seen stellar results for our female athletes at the Olympics, and it seems fitting that our girls have delivered Gold here at Ipswich High.”

Students from St Joseph’s College, Ipswich achieved impressive results at A Level after a considerable level of work over the last two years.

Sixteen different subjects achieved 100pc pass rates and the top 10 per cent of students achieved an impressive UCAS points score of 556, which is equivalent of well over 3 A* grades and an A grade at A level.

Sian Grant, Principal, said: “St Joseph’s College aims to help every student to be their best meaning that they enter the modern world well equipped – confident without arrogance. We are proud of every one and wish them every success in the future having had an outstanding experience during their sixth form studies.”

At Ipswich School, headmaster Nicolas Weaver told of his delight after 92.6pc of the 118 students achieved grades A* to C. In addition 100pc achieved A* to E.

Mr 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.”

St Albans Catholic High School’s 98 students were celebrating today after 99pc achieved grades A* to E. Meanwhile, 76pc achieved A* to C.