MOST Suffolk A-level students were left with smiles rather than tears as they opened their vital envelopes this morning.Stowmarket, Stowupland, Farlingaye, Northgate and Copleston High Schools joined with Suffolk College and independents Ipswich High, Woodbridge and Ipswich School in celebrating improvements from last year.

MOST Suffolk A-level students were left with smiles rather than tears as they opened their vital envelopes this morning.

Stowmarket, Stowupland, Farlingaye, Northgate and Copleston High Schools joined with Suffolk College and independents Ipswich High, Woodbridge and Ipswich School in celebrating improvements from last year.

The final touches were still being put to figures from other schools across the region, but they were expected to follow suit in a yet another year of record A-level results.

Woodbridge's Farlingaye – state school top dogs for the last three years – just kept their noses in front of Ipswich rivals Northgate.

Both schools recorded a pass rate of 98 per cent with nearly three quarters of all Farlingaye students gaining A – C grades.

Pupils at both comprehensives recorded an impressive average of three Bs. Farlingaye headteacher Sue Hargadon said: "We are absolutely delighted with yet another excellent set of exam results, especially as we have been the top performing state school for the last three years.

"This is a real tribute to the hard work by the students and the support they were given by their staff."

Stowmarket High was snapping at the heels of the top dogs with a fantastic pass rate of 97pc. Headteacher David Oliver said he was as pleased for those who worked to achieve three passes as the A grades at the top of the class.

He said: "It is good to see so many A-grades across all the subjects and anyone who states A-levels are easier needs to talk to the students and staff involved for the real facts."

Stowupland headteacher Peter Richards said he was delighted with the efforts of the 65 students collecting their grades.

He said: "This is one of our best years. Our A and B results are very high at 46 per cent.

"The A, B and C results are also exceptionally high at 75 per cent, so the majority of students will have got their places at university."

The school recorded a 98.4 per cent pass rate which is up from 96 per cent last year.

Twins Emily and Marianne Carter, 18, were both overjoyed with their results. Emily, who got an A in design, B in French and B in media, said: "I was shocked and emotional when I got them but I am just happy for everyone."

Marianne, who got a C in biology, B in English and B in geography, said: "I was relieved but I was so nervous.

"I got the grades I needed to go to Warwick University to study English and I am really pleased. I am now going to relax and then go out celebrating."

Ali Keeble, 18, of Gipping Road, Stowupland, got an A in drama, an A in English and a C in biology. He is hoping to go and study in Leeds.

He said: "It feels such an immense relief. It's exciting and unbelievable and I am so happy. I am now going to phone up Leeds to see if I have got a place but if not, I will go to Sheffield."