Results around the region remained steady as the first students to take new, tougher A-level exams celebrated their achievements.

Eastern Daily Press: Students celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Tom Knapp, Georgia Clark, and Ben Broadley. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYStudents celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Tom Knapp, Georgia Clark, and Ben Broadley. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Almost three quarters, 73pc, of grades in Norfolk were A* to Cs, a slight dip on last year's 74pc, while in Suffolk the figure rose from 76pc to 77pc.

While they are minor changes, they will be viewed as significant by education leaders, with many fearful that the tougher exams would put a dent in results.

MORE: The full list of results from across Norfolk and Waveney

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Tyler and Harriet Budds celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMatthew Tyler and Harriet Budds celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

In 2015, changes were made to move A-levels away from coursework and instead only have exams at the end of the two-year courses.

A handful of schools celebrated record results, including Wymondham College and Sir John Leman High School in Beccles, while others saw disappointing drops, including Thetford Academy, which fell from 71pc of A* to C grades to 59pc.

At Diss High School, Dr Jan Hunt, headteacher, celebrated the school's 79pc of C and above grades with proud students.

Eastern Daily Press: Chantelle Lee, left, will be going to Cambridge University and Lauren Coleman was delighted to be accepted at Oxford University. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYChantelle Lee, left, will be going to Cambridge University and Lauren Coleman was delighted to be accepted at Oxford University. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

But she said the success came after challenging preparation for the new system.

'They are stunning results,' she said. 'We are very happy indeed. Despite the increased challenge in content of the reformed A-levels, students have worked hard and achieved to the best of their ability.

MORE: Live map of results

'It has been a challenge for staff to prepare students thoroughly for more challenging A-levels and they have risen to the occasion very well.'

Stuart Dark, vice-chairman of Norfolk County Council's children's services committee, said: 'Today is a fantastic day to celebrate the hard work of students, staff and families across Norfolk.

'To students, remember that today offers every one of you a fresh start – whether you achieved better than you expected or not quite as well as you'd hoped.'

Eastern Daily Press: High achievers celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Chantelle Lee, 18; Lauren Coleman, 18; Matthew Tyler, 18; Daniela Castro-Kerridge, 18; and Harriet Budds, 17. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHigh achievers celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Chantelle Lee, 18; Lauren Coleman, 18; Matthew Tyler, 18; Daniela Castro-Kerridge, 18; and Harriet Budds, 17. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Another success story was Springwood High School, in King's Lynn, which increased its level of A* to Cs by 9pc, a difference headteacher Andy Johnson described as 'absolutely fantastic'.

By 12.30pm, the University of East Anglia said they had received more than 5,000 calls from students hoping to secure a spot on one of their courses through the Clearing scheme.

For full results and anaylsis, don't miss our 16-page special supplement in tomorrow's newspaper.

Eastern Daily Press: Students celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYStudents celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)