'Absolutely ecstatic' - West Norfolk A Level results

As well as their studies, the 90-strong class of '21 have also grappled with lockdown, remote learning and in some cases self isolating.

From left Luke Anstell, George Davis and Alfie Wagg celebrate after collecting their grades at the College of West Anglia in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)

"I suppose the word is unprecedented," said Mr Pomfret. "It's just been incredibly challenging for them."

College of West Anglia Principal David Pomfret congratulates Elouise Youngs (R) after achieving straight A grades in English, sociology and criminology (Image: Chris Bishop)

Despite this, some 77pc of the outgoing cohort achieved grades A*-C, with an overall pass rate of 99pc.

"To achieve a pass rate of 99pc is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of both our students and teaching staff," said Mr Pomfret. "In addition, the number of students achieving top grades has been good, with 77pc achieving A*-C.

Elouise Youngs, 17, celebrates with her mother Sarah after achieving three straight A grades in English literature and language, sociology and criminology at the College of West Anglia in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)

Elouise Youngs looked stunned as she opened her envelope with her mother Sarah. "It's all As," she said. "Three straight As."

Her grades in English, sociology and criminology mean Elouise, 17, has secured a place at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, to study English literature and psychology.

From left to right: Inga Aleksejeva, AAAB; Sophie Watson: A*A*A; Anya Biran, A*AB; Grace Vonk; AAA (and B in EPQ) and Cameron Backham A*A*A*A (Image: KES Academy)

Around the corner at King Edward VII Academy, some 83pc of students achieved A*-C grades.

Cameron Backham was the top performing student with four A*s in English language, history, philosophy and ethics, and an A in maths. He will be off to study history and philosophy at Bimingham University.

Cameron Backham , who achieved A*s in English language, history, philosophy and ethics, and an A in Mathematics (Image: KES Academy)

Hannah Robins secured a place to study English at Cambridge University after achieving three A* grades in English language, English literature and history.

Principal Sarah Hartshorn said, “It has been another challenging year for both staff and pupils. I have been very proud of the determination and resilience our students have shown during this year’s examination series."

Beth Norman secured a place at Cambridge University to study music after achieving 3 A* grades at Springwood High School (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Some 36pc of students achieved A* or A and 84pc achieved A* to C at Lynn's Springwood High School.

Headteacher Andy Johnson said: "There was a very positive atmosphere at Springwood this morning and after a challenging few months, it's been a wonderful celebration of the success of the brilliant young people collecting their results."

Head Andy Johnson celebrates with students at Springwood High School in King's Lynn (Image: Ian Burt Photography)

Some 90pc of students at Downham Market Academy's Athena Sixth Form College have been accepted to their first-choice university, with 45pc accepted to Russell Group universities: the UK's 24 top higher education institutions.