Pupils in Wymondham and Hethersett nervously gathered at their schools yesterday to collect their A-level results, with university hopes hinged on success.
At Wymondham College, although the results will not be disclosed until today, teachers said students had achieved the best performance since expanding the 6th form, and the AS results were the best yet. The occassional shout of joy could be heard across the school where students were huddled in groups chatting excitedly about their good news.
Gabriel Chiu, 18, of Tuckswood, Norwich, achieved two A* grades and two A grades in further maths, physics, chemistry and maths. He will spend the next year as an organ scholar at Sherborne School, Dorset, before taking up a place at Cambridge University to study medicine. The high achiever said: 'I'm more relieved than anything that I've got in, there's been a lot of emotional toil over the past few months.
'At first I didn't quite believe it, it's been a surreal experience.'
At Hethersett Old Hall School, although the number of students achieving an A*-C grade was 17pc lower than 2012, all the students that applied for university were accepted into their first choice.
Headgirl Hannah Gaskin, 18, of Blofield, has been accepted at the University of Liverpool to study veternary science after yesterday's results revealed an A*, A and two B grades. Along with A-levels in biology, chemistry and geography the budding vet took an an Extended Project Qualification in bovine studies. She said: 'I didn't sleep much last night and was very nervous I checked my results, I've always wanted to be a vet and did a lot of work experience.'
Holly Barrett, 18, of Wymondham, achieved an A* grade, an A and two C grades in art, textiles, drama and photography. She has been accepted into her first choice of Nottingham Trent University to study costume design.
She said: 'My mum cried when she found out how well I'd done, I can't wait to start university - I love textiles and drama and so costume design is all my favourite subjects mixed together.'
A pupil who is taking some time out before deciding the next step is Kelsey Borrer, who exceeded expectations with her grades of two C grades and one D in PE, drama and travel and tourism. She said: 'I'm going to Australia in December and plan to take a couple of years out before choosing what to do.
'I was nervous for my friends and cried when I knew they'd got in.'
It was more good news for Wymondham High Academy where the number of students achieving an A*-C grade was 4pc higher than 2012. In addition, 90pc of pupils gained three A-leves.
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