Today was a big day for students all over the country as they raced to their schools to pick up the envelope that told them just how well they had done in their A-level exams.

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Tyler and Harriet Budds celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYMatthew Tyler and Harriet Budds celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Many pupils at Diss High School had already logged on to the university tracking system first thing this morning to see whether they had received an offer at the university of their choice.

But they still needed to steady their nerves as they picked up that all important envelope that told them exactly which grades they'd got for each subject.

Eastern Daily Press: Students celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYStudents celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Head teacher Dr Jan Hunt of Diss High School along with head teachers and teachers across the country had been concerned that the new A-level syllabus would affect results this year.

The new A-level exam is more challenging and exam based than the previous one so she was more than happy with students achievements this year - especially as one student gained a place at Cambridge and another at Oxford.

Eastern Daily Press: Students celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Tom Knapp, Georgia Clark, and Ben Broadley. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYStudents celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Tom Knapp, Georgia Clark, and Ben Broadley. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The overall pass rate at the comprehensive school was 99.8pc, with 79pc of grades being A* to C and 60pc being A* to B.

Student Chantelle Lee who will be reading history at the University of Oxford gained an A*, two A's and a B as well as an A* in her Extended Project Qualification.

Eastern Daily Press: Students celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYStudents celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Fellow pupil Lauren Coleman achieved two A*s, an A and a B and will be reading classics at Oxford University.

Student Matthew Tyler gained an A*, two A's and a B in his A'Levels and will be going to Bath University to study mathematics.

Eastern Daily Press: Head of Diss High School, Jan Hunt. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHead of Diss High School, Jan Hunt. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Dr Jan Hunt said: 'They are stunning results. We are very happy indeed. Despite the increased challenge in content of the reformed A-levels.

'Students have worked hard and achieved to the best of their ability.

Eastern Daily Press: Pippa Adkins, 18, celebrates being accepted to do vet science at Liverpool as she collects her A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYPippa Adkins, 18, celebrates being accepted to do vet science at Liverpool as she collects her A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

'It is important to note that these results cannot be compared to previous years because the assessment and challenge is different.

'We are a comprehensive school with a wide breadth of ability so we are particularly pleased.

Eastern Daily Press: Chantelle Lee, left, will be going to Cambridge University and Lauren Coleman was delighted to be accepted at Oxford University. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYChantelle Lee, left, will be going to Cambridge University and Lauren Coleman was delighted to be accepted at Oxford University. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'It has been a challenge for staff to prepare students thoroughly for more challenging A-levels and they have risen to the occasion very well.

'We are always delighted when we can get students into Oxford and Cambridge.'

Eastern Daily Press: High achievers celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Chantelle Lee, 18; Lauren Coleman, 18; Matthew Tyler, 18; Daniela Castro-Kerridge, 18; and Harriet Budds, 17. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYHigh achievers celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. From left, Chantelle Lee, 18; Lauren Coleman, 18; Matthew Tyler, 18; Daniela Castro-Kerridge, 18; and Harriet Budds, 17. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Hartismere School in Eye achieved 81 per cent A* to C grades.

Eastern Daily Press: Students celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYStudents celebrate their A Level results at Diss High School. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)