There were tears and cheers across South Norfolk today as hundreds of students picked up their GCSE results.

Long Stratton High School maintained its good results in recent years with 84pc of students achieving five or more A* to C grades. Five years ago, that figure was 62pc.

Acting headteacher John Wilson said: 'The class of 2012 has done extraordinarily well and helps us to continue the trend of outstanding achievement - they reflect the hard work of a fantastic year group. I'd like to congratulate the pupils and thank parents, staff and governors for their continued support.'

However, some schools were still number crunching this morning as headteachers and staff digested the figures.

Headteacher Neil McShane said that so far the school was celebrating its best ever results for students gaining A* to C grades.

'This is a very pleasing set of results considering that this year group entered the school with levels below the national average and have now achieved the best results ever for the school on the five A* to C measure. Congratulations to the students and staff for all their hard work and commitment and thanks to our parents and governors for all their support,' he said.

However, Old Buckenham High headteacher Peter Whear said they were not in a position to reveal their results because of results for a number of English Language exams.

'We are still working with a highly provisional set of results. I would like to congratulate all those students for their hard work in achieving the wonderful results they have achieved. Thanks also goes to the wonderful staff at Old Buckenham High School and the parents and carers for their support,' he said.

Students at Diss High School equalled last year's 66pc pass rate at five A*-C grades including English and maths but the percentage gaining five A*-C in any subject was lower than last year at 78pc compared to last year's 85pc.

However, the school's headteacher Dr Jan Hunt was still pleased with the overall performance, adding: 'We are delighted with these results. Warm congratulations to both staff and students.'

Of these, 20 students gained eight A* or A grades and three pupils- Danielle Clark, Declan Jones and Jude Palmer achieved 15 A* grades, which Dr Hunt described as 'truly understanding.'

The overall pass rate at five A*-C including English and maths at Hartismere Music Academy in Eye was down marginally from 74pc last year to 73pc, while the percentage of five A*-C in all subjects also fell from 97pc last year to 95pc.

However, Jim McAtear, the school's headteacher, said: 'Hartismere Music Academy was delighted to have the best results for adding value in Suffolk over the last two years.

'These results indicate that our scholars will be at the top of the progress tables once again as they have performed so far above expectations.

'The percentage of A and A* grades was particularly high. They say so much about the levels of support we receive from our parents and Governors, the talent and commitment of our staff and the hard work of our scholars.

At Stradbroke High School, the pass rate for five A*-C including English and maths was 50pc, four percent lower than last year.

But Andrew Bloom, the school's headteacher, said: 'We are pleased with the many individual successes of our pupils. This is due to the pupils' hard work, high quality teaching and supportive parents.'

Students at Archbishop Sancroft High in Harleston recorded the school's best ever English and Maths results.

Headteacher Richard Cranmer said they had placed a real focus on those two subjects.

'I am very pleased with these results. 61pc 5 A*-C including English and Maths is a new school record and is a reflection of the huge effort by students and staff, both teaching and support. Improving in Maths and English has been a specific priority and the progress made by this cohort in these subjects is excellent,' he said.