Thetford schools are celebrating a strong set of A-level results, with the majority bucking the national trend to record one of their most successful years to date.

The most dramatic rise was at Thetford Academy, where the proportion of students achieving A* to C grades at A2 rose from 37pc last year to 65pc this year.

The number of students achieving A* to E rose to 98pc, from 72pc in 2013, while there were also significant improvements in its AS-level results.

Forty-two students sat A2 exams, with 76 sitting exams at AS.

Leaders at the school pointed to the marked improvements made in results since the Inspiration Trust took over in 2013.

Adrian Ball, executive headteacher at Thetford Academy, said: 'We are incredibly proud of our students who are celebrating the best ever results seen at the academy.

'The hard work that they have out in this year has paid off, with nearly all students gaining their first choice university placement.'

Iceni Academy in Methwold recorded a 1pc rise in both A* to C A* to E categories at A2, with their pass rates at 48pc and 94pc respectively.

Its top performers were Louisa Smither, who got two As and an A*, and Elliott Stronza, who got a B, two Cs and a D.

Principal Gee Cook said: 'We are very pleased with our results from our small cohort of Year 13 students.

'Our students have studied a robust program of only academic A-levels and have worked very hard to achieve their success.

'Considering this robust curriculum and the volatility in national results trends, it is a credit to the dedication of our students, and our staff, that results have generally improved, in particular improving on our average points per entry.

'We hope all of our students go on to achieve further success in the next stage of their lives. Our Year 12 cohort are also progressing well and should they continue to work hard they will be rewarded with their own success next year.

'Congratulations to all of our students.'

Thetford Grammar School praised some outstanding individual performances at A-level this year - including Jade Whitehurst and Sam Howell, both of whom achieved four A* grades at A-level.

They were followed closely by Jessica Steward, with two A*s and one A, Oliver Bartrum, with one A*, two As and one C, and Matthew Sibley, with three As and one C.

All of its students achieved A* to E grades, with 76pc achieving A* to C - a drop from its 87pc pass rate last year.

Headmaster Gareth Price said: 'I am delighted with the success of these individuals and especially with the fact that the vast majority of students achieved their first place university choice.'

Susan Byles, principal at Mildenhall College Academy, said: 'I am exceptionally pleased with this year's results for our Year 13 students. They have all done well and have bright futures ahead of them.'

The college recorded a rise in the percentage of higher grades achieved, with just under 40pc achieving A* to B grades and 67pc achieving A* to C grades - up from 48pc last year.

Ms Byles added: 'The continuing success of our Sixth Form is at the root of developing our new Sixth Form Centre, MCA6, which is due to open in September.

'When we get results like these it is further proof that investment in the new facilities that MCA6 will provide is money well spent.

'Young people in Forest Heath deserve excellent Sixth Form facilities and outstanding teaching and that is just what they are going to get at MCA6.'

Tell us about your A-level successes by calling Andrew Papworth on 07834 839153 or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk