Youngsters across north Norfolk nervously travelled back to school to collect their A level results today, most with university places dependant on good grades.
At Sheringham High School 22pc of students received an A* or A grade, with three bright pupils achieving A* in all of their subjects.
Joe Chadwick, 18, is off to study pharmacology at the University of Bath after receiving the top grade in maths, biology and chemistry.
'I worked hard every day and I am really pleased,' he said. 'It hasn't really sunk in yet though and I am still in shock.'
Jonny Taylor said his three A* grades and an A were out of the blue, and the 18-year-old is off to Manchester University to study chemical engineering.
One pupil who was surprised with his results was 18-year-old Joe Middleton, who resat some exams after being disappointed with his AS level results.
And with an A, a B and a C, Joe is off to the University of Birmingham to study Geography. He said: 'I am really pleased, last year I didn't pay much attention but this year I have worked constantly from the beginning.'
New headteacher Andrew Richardson said the pupils and staff were feeling great about the results with 77pc of grades from A* to C.
'We have gone up 4pc in the overall number of A* to C grades and nearly half of all our students got A* to B.
'We are feeling really good about this year's results - no one in A2 has not got their place at university.
'The strength in depth this year at Sheringham is shown by great departmental successes, our biologists, chemists, historians, modern linguists, artists, psychologists, and literature students all excelled with these departments posting more than 80pc A* to C results.'
It was more good news at Gresham's where 88.5pc of A levels were graded C or above and 98.5pc were graded from A* to E.
Clare Mawson, 18, of Edgefield was delighted with her three A* grades and an A and is off to the University of Southhampton to study ship science and naval architecture.
'It was very hard work and I did a lot of revision,' said Clare. 'I was worried when I came to collect my results as everyone was nervous. Now I am just really happy.'
Alice Hare, 18, is off to Durham to study French and Spanish and despite needing three A's, she triumphed and achieved three A* grades.
'It is always hard to tell how exams have gone so I was really pleased.'
Douglas Robb, headmaster-elect, said: 'I am delighted with this year's A level and AS results which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and their teachers.
'A levels are challenging and in this competitive market it is very pleasing to see such impressive results. I would like to wish our leavers the very best of luck in their future careers.'
? Paston student Julia Dawson, from Chestnut Avenue, North Walsham, gained three A*s and is the first of her family to go to university. She will read experimental psychology at St Hilda's, Oxford.
Julia ran out of time on one of her bigger exams and was not feeling confident about her results.
'I'm a tad shocked to say the least,' she said. 'I came with all the numbers for 'Clearing' ready on my phone!'
? Eloise Heath, from Knapton, a Paston student, gained three As and will study English language and English literature at Christ Church, Oxford.
'I'm really surprised and pleased. The more you think about the exams, the worse you think you have done. It was a bit surreal finding out online that I had got in,' said Eloise.
? Fellow Paston student Joanne McGarva, from Mundesley, will begin a year's acting internship with Dudley-based Christian theatre company, Saltmine. Joanne gained an A* for drama and theatre studies, an A for performance and a B for English literature.
'I'm really excited. I'm hoping to go into the theatre industry,' said Joanne, who has been a stalwart with the Mundesley Players, Sheringham Little Theatre, and Paston's Far East Company theatre group.
? Paston student and Miss Teen Norfolk Gabbi Ryan, from Swafield, gained three Bs - dicovering that she was only one mark off an A grade for her performance studies A level.
'I'm having the time of my life. It's been such an experience at Paston and I've made so many friends,' said Gabbi, who will compete in the Miss Teen GB finals at the end of the month, and switch on North Walsham's Christmas lights in December.
She plans to work full-time as a performer, model and dancer.
? Gresham's head boy, Will Langley, from Edgefield, achieved an A* and two As which means he will be off to Hertford College, Oxford, to study Chinese for four years, with the second year at Peking University, Beijing.
Will, who had already achieved an A in maths in 2013, said his main interests at school were debating, athletics and cross-country running.
He had also enjoyed taking part in school productions. Will added: 'After university, I hope to work in China and develop my love of the language, culture and literature. If that doesn't work out I may start a career as an indie rock star!'
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