It was the big day for students as they raced to their schools to pick up the envelope that told them just how well they had done in their A-level exams.
Schools in South Norfolk all saw a rise in grades A* to C despite changes A-levels now involving less emphasis on coursework towards final exams that many had predicted would make them harder.
Many pupils had already logged on to the university tracking system first thing this morning to see whether they had received an offer at their first choice.
At Diss High School there were some tears but mainly cheers as 85pc of pupils discovered they had achieved grades A* to C, a rise from 83pc last year and 79pc in 2017. The overall pass rate was over 99pc.
Dr Jan Hunt, head teacher, said: "Our Sixth Form students have worked incredibly hard. A-levels were more rigorous this year and students and staff are to be congratulated on a fabulous set of results. Nearly all of our students have already had their university places confirmed."
Notable successes included Caity Adkins who gained 3A* grades in biology, chemistry and mathematics and is going to study medicine at Nottingham University.
She said: "I'd logged on first thing this morning so I knew I had got my place but I'm delighted. It's much better than I expected. It is a big relief after two years of hard work"
Natty Strange achieved 2A* grades in chemistry and mathematics, an A in biology, a B in further maths to achieve his dream of going to read medicine at Kings College at Cambridge University.
"It was pretty nerve-wracking last night but it has all been worth it," he said. "The exam results required to get into Kings College are very high so it is fantastic."
Will Johnson gained three A* grades, one A grade and an A in his extended project and is set to study modern history and politics at Southampton University.
He said: "It's better than I thought. I hope to eventually do a masters and maybe go into politics, but who knows what opportunities may arise at university."
Others celebrating included Joseph Davy who achieved 2A* grades, 2 A grades and an A* in his extended project and will study Economics at London School of Economics. And Aimee Buck got A*AAB; Charlie Dunning A*A*BB, Lauren Dennis A*AB and an A in the extended project; Ed Darrall with AAA plus a B in the extended project; Anna Brinkley with A*AB; and Leona Cremnitz with AAA.
Keith Kiddie, one of the school governors, said: "This is another remarkable set of results from a highly dedicated set of staff and well motivated pupils.
"We have pupils going on to study at Kings College, one of the premier universities in the country, and the LSE, and many have achieved three A*. It shows remarkable diligence on behalf of the students."
Hartismere School and Sixth Form also saw its A* to C grades rise from 86pc last year to 89pc.
Headmaster James McAtear said: "These results are a testimony to the hard work of all our staff, governors and students and to the support given to them by their parents."
Thetford Grammar School saw a rise in A* to C grades from 85pc last year to 92pc this time; while at Bungay High School the rate was 73pc, the same as last year.
Elsewhere at Wymondham High Academy saw 78pc A* to C grades, Wymondham College 86pc, and Thetford Academy 50pc.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here