Although some school's saw a fall in the number of pupils who gained A*-C grades in English and maths, there were many success stories.

Eastern Daily Press: Diss High School students receive their GSCE results, 2016.Diss High School students receive their GSCE results, 2016. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2016)

At Archbishop Sancroft High School, 48pc of students achieved A*-C grades in English and maths - down six percentage points on last year.

Richard Cranmer, headteacher, said: 'Yet again the staff, parents and carers and of course students have worked together to ensure they have a great start to their further and higher education and my thanks go to everyone for the part that they play in this journey.'

Jess Auston, 16, achieved an A*, five As, six Bs and a C, and is off to Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form in Norwich. She said: 'I am quite shocked I was not really expecting it. I thought I had read the wrong paper.'

Diss High School celebrated a six percentage point increase on last year's results with 74pc gaining A*-C in English and maths.

Eastern Daily Press: Diss High School students receive their GSCE results, 2016.Diss High School students receive their GSCE results, 2016. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2016)

William Ashwood, 16 and from Scole, gained 13 A*-A grades. He said: 'I am really pleased and quite amazed. Some of the results I did not expect at all.'

Long Stratton High School saw a six percentage point decrease in pupils who gained A*-C in English and maths, at 49pc.

Roger Harris, headteacher, said: 'Many had results to celebrate and we wish them well for the future.'

There was a three percentage point increase in the number of students gaining A*-C grades in English and maths at Old Buckenham High School - with 68pc achieving the feat.

Eastern Daily Press: Photo. Middle: Jess. Archbishop Sancroft 25/08/16Photo. Middle: Jess. Archbishop Sancroft 25/08/16 (Image: Archant)

Andrew Fell, headteacher, said he was 'delighted' with the results.

And at Attleborough Academy Norfolk 64pc of pupils gained an A*-C in English and maths. It was a one percentage point increase on last year and principal Neil McShane praised the hard work of the students.

Across the border, James McAtear, headteacher at Hartismere School in Eye, congratulated his pupils.

A four percentage point increase on last year saw 81pc of pupils gaining A*-C in English and maths.

There was a five percentage point decrease in A*-C English and maths grades at Stradbroke High School - with 65pc.

But John Axtell, deputy head, praised the 'commitment' of pupils at the school.