LIVE: Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambs A-levels results

With 673,000 people scrambling for 350,000 university places this year, it is set to be the most competitive and nerve-racking results day yet.

The rush has come because of a reduction in university places and the urgency to get into higher education this year, with fees set to almost treble from 2012.

Nationally, it was another record-breaking year for A-level students as one in 12 exams resulted in an A* grade.

Overall, the pass rate rose for the 29th year in a row, with 97.8pc of entries receiving at least an E grade – up 0.2pc from 97.6pc last summer.

The results, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), showed the number of A* grades rose to 8.2pc, up slightly from 8.1pc last year.

But the number of exams resulting in at least an A grade has plateaued at 27pc, the same as 2010.

The results also showed boys had closed the gap on girls in terms of A* grades as both groups got the top grade in 8.2pc of exams.

More than 250,000 teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their A-level results today.

Results - including previous years in brackets:

ATTLEBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 64pc (56) (57)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 96pc (94) (98)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Yet again this year we are immensely proud of the achievements of our students. This year shows a significant increase in the number of students achieving top grades. These results reflect the dedication and professionalism of all our staff and the commitment shown by the students and their supportive parents.' Neil McShane, headteacher.

BENJAMIN BRITTEN HIGH, LOWESTOFT

A-level pass rate A*-C: 53pc (52) (55)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 92 (95) (97)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Many of the students have achieved the grades they need to progress, whether it be into employment or further education.' Keith Shiels, head of sixth form.

BUNGAY HIGH

A-level pass rate A*-C: 60pc (62) (70)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 97pc (94) (99)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Another excellent year at Bungay High School. A-level results were very pleasing with 105 students achieving the results that were right on target. The pass rate of 97pc is up on last year and is testament to the commitment shown by both students and staff. There were notable individual successes.' Sean O'Neill, headteacher.

CITY COLLEGE NORWICH

A-level pass rate A*-C: 63pc (62) (61)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 98pc (97) (97)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'This is an exceptional set of results by our sixth form centre students, whom I would like to congratulate on their well-deserved achievements. We are particularly pleased that so many of our students have successfully secured higher education places, whilst providing help and support with clearing to those who have not yet got a place confirmed.' Dick Palmer, principal.

CITY OF NORWICH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 69pc (77.9) (72)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (97.6) (97)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are very pleased with these results today and it has been excellent seeing so many smiley faces and happy students, many of them going off to universities around the country. Our exceptionally high retention rates from year 12 to 13 are important and reflect the comprehensive nature of the school and the breath of results.' Jim Nixon, headteacher.

COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA, KING'S LYNN

A-level pass rate A*-C: 62.5pc (60) (62.3)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 43pc (34) (45.2)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 96.1pc (96) (99.1)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 80pc (75) (82.8)

'We are immensely proud of our students' achievements. They reflect both the hard work and commitment of our students and the high quality teaching and learning in our college. I would like to congratulate all our students and staff on their success.' David Pomfret, principal.

DENES HIGH SCHOOL, LOWESTOFT

A-level pass rate A*-C: 61pc (57) (49)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (20) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 95pc (97) (91)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (63) (unavailable)

'Congratulations to all our students who achieved their goals and best wishes to them all in the next step of their learning journey.' Evelyn Hicks, deputy headteacher.

DEREHAM SIXTH FORM

A-level pass rate A*-C: 81pc (80) (78)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 67pc (72) (70)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99.1pc (100) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 93pc (97) (96)

'We are really pleased with this year's A2 results. Students and teachers have all worked really hard and most students have got into the university of their choice. The vast majority are going where they wanted to go.' Phyllis O'Grady, college director.

DISS HIGH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: unavailable (82) (79)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (100) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Students have once again achieved some of the best A-level results in the country and they are favourable compared to last year. Already over 90pc of students have had their place at university confirmed. We are thrilled and delighted with these superb results. This is the reward of very hard work by staff and students.' Jan Hunt, headteacher.

DOWNHAM MARKET HIGH SCHOOL SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

A-level pass rate A*-C: 70pc (70) (71)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (47) (99)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 97pc (97) (51)

AS-level pass rate A*-E: unavailable (83) (87)

'Almost all the students of Downham Market College have achieved the required grades to move on to their chosen university course, with over 90pc expecting to start at their first choice institution next academic year. The students have shown huge commitment to their studies and deserve all their success.' Jon Ford, headteacher.

EAST NORFOLK SIXTH FORM COLLEGE, GORLESTON

A-level pass rate A*-C: 73pc (77) (79)

AS-level pass rate A*-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A-E: 99 (99) (98.2)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Yet again we are pleased that so many local young people have achieved such excellent results and will now progress to the top university or job of their choice. There is a great deal to celebrate and we wish all of our students continuing success in their careers.' Laurie Poulson, principal.

FAKENHAM HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

A-level pass rate A*-C: 73.2pc (71.5) (67.8)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 52.4pc (52) (56)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99.3pc (98.5) (99.4)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 84.3pc (86.3) (88.3)

'In almost every one of our performance indicators we are up on last year. We have improved again on what was already a good performance. Today is essentially about results but this place is about much more than that.' John McCourt, college director.

GREAT YARMOUTH COLLEGE

A-level pass rate A*-C: 73pc (74) (66.7)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 100pc (100) (74.5)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 97pc (97) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 100pc (100) (100)

'We are delighted with the results. They represent an outstanding achievement by our students and reflect the dedication of our staff. They are part of the significant progress in the college's performance we have seen this year. As a further education college we are committed to widening opportunities and these outstanding results and those for our other level three courses, such as National Diplomas, give our students the qualifications to progress to further training or directly into employment.' Penny Wycherley, principal.

GRESHAM'S SCHOOL, HOLT

A-level pass rate A*-C: 86.9pc (92) (90.4)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 70.6pc (unavailable) (84.3)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99.2pc (99.2) (99.6)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 94.8pc (unavailable) (98.5)

'I am delighted with this fine set of A-level results. The sheer number of our students who have achieved excellent grades is indicative of the scholarly passion and self discipline that our academic staff routinely engenders in our students. This is another exciting year for Gresham's as it sees a broadening of the curriculum for both the A-level and IB Diploma programmes. We will continue to build upon our academic success by providing a holistic and individualised educational experience which successfully enables young people to fulfil their potential.' Philip John, headteacher.

HELLESDON HIGH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 77pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 54pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'This is the best ever set of A-level results that the school has had - by a long way. Three years ago we were in an Ofsted category and were substantially below average. Now we are substantially above average. The staff and students have worked their socks off.' - Gerard Batty, headteacher.

HETHERSETT OLD HALL SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 66pc (74) (70)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 100pc (100) (95)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We have a small year group of 10 and all of our university applicants have got into their chosen university. In this important year I think all the parents are happy with that. We have trialed a new Extended Project Qualification this year which is a research based A-level and over 60pc got As and Bs.' Steven Crump, headmaster.

THE HEWETT SCHOOL, NORWICH

A-level pass rate A*-C: 63pc (unavailable) (80.7)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: unavailable (unavailable) (96.8)

AS-level pass rate A-E: (unavailable)

'We are very pleased with the results so far. This year group have done very well for themselves.' Rob Anthony, senior associate headteacher.

THE KETT SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

(Open Academy, Sewell Park College and Sprowston High)

A-level pass rate A*-C: 63pc (58) (64)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 95pc (98) (98)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are pleased that our results have been maintained at the same level this year. We are very encouraged by the increase in our A-C percentage which is over 60pc and our A*-B percentage has also increased with 12 A* grades being awarded. There have been some outstanding individual results for students. This has been down to the hard work of students and the support and guidance of staff and parents, helping students move on to the next stage in their lives, whether to the university of their choice or employment.' Julia Drury, director.

KING EDWARD VII HIGH, KING'S LYNN

A-level pass rate A*-C: 67.1pc (68) (77)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 96 (97pc) (98)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We were very successful again this year and had 23 scholars. A lot of our students have got their first or reserve choice university and it's testament to their hard work.' Mike Douglass, headteacher.

KING'S LYNN ACADEMY (FIGURES IN BRACKETS ARE FOR THE PREDECESSOR SCHOOL, PARK HIGH)

A-level pass rate A*-C: unavailable (29.6) (31.25)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (36)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 87pc (88pc) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-E unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'King's Lynn Academy is very pleased to applaud the achievements of its sixth formers with an 87pc pass rate for year 13 students. The results are very encouraging and show the open entry inclusion policy of the academy, allowing students greater opportunity to study a wider range of subjects without the usual entry qualifications, has brought its reward for a number of students.' Craig Morrison, principal.

LANGLEY SCHOOL, LODDON

A-level pass rate A*-C: 84.5pc (78) (74.5)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99.2pc (98) (98.2)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are delighted. It requires a huge amount of effort, blood and sweat for both the students and the teachers to achieve these grades.' Dominic Findlay, headmaster.

METHWOLD HIGH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 53pc (50) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 94pc (96) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'The most important thing is that the high grades have improved, so we've got more students with higher grades. One way schools are ranked is the number of UCAS points each student gets as it shows how many students have got qualifications and how high they are because the raw score doesn't really tell you much. We've done really well in that this year. Last year we had 542 points and this year we've got 590.' Denise Walker, headteacher.

MILDENHALL COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

A-level pass rate A*-C: 56pc (42) (52)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 97pc (92) (97)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'MCT is celebrating its best-ever A-level scores this summer. I am delighted to see the students achieve so well and pleased that these results mean so much that those who wanted to go to university or into employment with training are able to do so. I am proud of all of our students especially those who have worked incredibly hard to get where they have, such as Ksenija Rodiceva, who joinde our sixth form with very little English two years ago. Now she is leaving us with a double distinction (equivalent to two A grades) in performing arts and a grade D in A-level art.' Susan Byles, headteacher.

NORWICH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

A-level pass rate A*-C: 93pc (91) (90.3)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 100pc (99.3) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'I am very proud of all our girls' achievements and am particularly pleased that they have been successful in securing university places in this very competitive year.' Jason Morrow, headmaster.

NORWICH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 97.2pc (96) (97.7)

AS-level pass rate A_C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 100pc (100) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are very pleased with another set of strong A2 results and congratulate all involved, both pupils and teachers. With over 60pc at A*/A for the fifth year in a row, Norwich School's consistency of performance is notable, particularly as these results are generated by a cohort who have contributed so much to the extra-curricular life of the school.' Steffan Griffiths, headmaster.

NOTRE DAME HIGH, NORWICH

A-level pass rate A*-C: 86pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 64pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 100pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 91pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are extremely pleased with the excellent results achieved by our students in both their A-levels and International Baccalaureate qualifications, which are a record for the school. Combining our IB and A-level results would result in an equivalent pass rate of over 90% A*-C grades. Our students, staff, parents and school community have collectively worked extremely hard to achieve this wonderful outcome and we wish our Year 13 students the very best in the future.' Brian Conway, headteacher.

ORMISTON VICTORY ACADEMY, COSTESSEY (FORMERLY COSTESSEY HIGH)

A-level pass rate A*-C: 80pc (65) (61)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (97) (94.4)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Some great performances from so many students and staff in our first year. French and travel and tourism achieved 100pc A grades; design technology, English literature, media, child care and history 100pc A*-B grades. Every major indicator shows very big improvements. I promised we would become the flagship school of the eastern region. This is the start.' Rachel de Souza, principal.

PASTON COLLEGE, NORTH WALSHAM

A-level pass rate A*-C: 74pc (73) (75)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 63pc (65) (56)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 98pc (98.8) (98.4)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 93pc (95) (88)

'These excellent results demonstrate the ambition of this sixth form college and our encouragement of students to work hard and aim high. Universities all over the country will be receiving talented young people from north Norfolk this autumn as a result.' Peter Mayne, principal.

REEPHAM COLLEGE (Opened in 2009. First year of full A-level results)

A-level pass rate A*-C: 75pc (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 66pc (59)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 96pc (94)

'With our first sixth form cohort we have achieved an outstanding set of results. Twenty-five per cent of grades are at A*-A and 50pc are A*-B. Only a small number of our students have had to go into clearing and most are going to a range of universities including Oxford. We thank the parents and students from all over North Norfolk who had the confidence to choose Reepham in our first year.' Mark Farrar, acting principal.

ST FELIX SCHOOL, SOUTHWOLD

A-level pass rate A*-C: 80pc (72) (90)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 95pc (95) (100)

AS-level pass rate A*-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'This year our pupils have achieved grades at least in line with their potential, and in most cases well above expectations. This is the most pleasing aspect of this year's results.' Dr Simon Letman, headmaster.

SHERINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

A-level pass rate A*-C: 72pc (79) (76)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (68)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (100) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (94)

'Another very pleasing set of results. The vast majority of students have achieved their target grades and will be going to study at their first choice university. We are very proud of our students and they and their teachers deserve congratulations for what they have achieved.' Tim Roderick, headteacher.

SIR JOHN LEMAN HIGH SCHOOL, BECCLES

A-level pass rate A*-C: 61pc (68) (56)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 96pc (96) (92)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We've had a great last year and we've built on that. It's another sign of the improvement which has taken place at the school and given us even more confidence about the future.' Jeremy Rowe, headteacher.

SMITHDON HIGH SCHOOL, HUNSTANTON

A-level pass rate A*-C: 51pc (55) (61)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 92pc (94) (96)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are pleased with the results that many of our students have achieved. The students worked especially hard for their success and they should be pleased and proud of the standards they have attained.' Jon Goodchild, headteacher.

SPRINGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, KING'S LYNN

A-level pass rate A*-C: 72pc (72) (64)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (47) (61)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 96pc (97) (97)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (80) (91)

'The results represent an excellent achievement for our students. These achievements are testament to the hard work of both students and staff.' Andy Johnson, headteacher.

SWAFFHAM HAMOND'S HIGH

A-level pass rate A*-C: 50pc (44) (34)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 97pc (97) (90)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We are delighted for the students who have achieved these results. It is a down to a combination of their hard work, the dedication of their teachers and the support of parents. These results are indicative of the continued improvement at Swaffham Hamond's High School.' Simon Franklin, assistant headteacher.

THETFORD ACADEMY (The results in brackets are for the predecessor school, Thomas Paine Sixth Form)

A-level pass rate A*-C: 60pc (42) (90)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 100pc (75) (97)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'I think the thing is it's been a turbulent year for the academy so for the students to then deliver these results, and they're some of the best results the two schools have produced, is wonderful. I think the most significant thing is the majority of our students are going to their first choice university which is great considering the climate this year.' Dr Roger Harris, head of sixth form.

THETFORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 90pc (88) (87)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 60pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 100pc (100) (100)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 90pc (unavailable) (unavailable)

'We do our best and in terms of raw results they're our best in memory and that's obviously very good and reflects they've worked hard and get a supportive environment. So far it looks as if the majority of the students have got their first choice university place.' Gareth Price, headmaster.

THOMAS CLARKSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, WISBECH

A-level pass rate A*-C: 46.2pc (51) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 32pc (41) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 46.2pc (51) (unavailable)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 80pc (67) (unavailable)

THORPE ST ANDREW SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 70pc (69) (69)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 97.5pc (98) (96)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'Our high performing students have achieved exceptionally well, with 21pc gaining A or A*. However, we are an open access sixth form and our results clearly show significant achievements, above their targets, for almost all of our students. They, and their teachers, worked hard to achieve this excellent success.' Ian Clayton, headteacher.

WISBECH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 90 (89) (90)

AS-level pass rate A-C: 63pc (75) (81)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 99pc (99) (98.6)

AS-level pass rate A-E: 86pc (96) (96)

'This year's A-level results are the best in Wisbech Grammar School's history. They reflect the conscientious way in which our upper sixth formers have approached their studies, the inspiring lessons that their teachers have given and the support of their parents.' Headmaster Nicholas Hammond.

WYMONDHAM COLLEGE

(The college chose to not disclose its results)

WYMONDHAM HIGH SCHOOL

A-level pass rate A*-C: 78pc (75) (80)

AS-level pass rate A-C: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

A-level pass rate A*-E: 96pc (97) (99)

AS-level pass rate A-E: unavailable (unavailable) (unavailable)

'It is an improvement on last year and we are really, really pleased. 20pc got A*s and a lot got straight As.' Victoria Musgrave, headteacher.

? Don't miss Tuesday's paper for a free A-levels supplement, giving unrivalled in-depth coverage of this year's results - including analysis, success stories and an insight into how some big names fared when they took A-levels.