Many smiling faces could be seen in west Norfolk as students eagerly opened their A-level exam results, signalling the end of a nervous wait.

Students at the College of West Anglia (CWA) had reason to celebrate after they achieved a 100pc pass rate. All the pupils have secured places in either higher education or employment, with 71% going on to university. A total of 56pc of CWA students achieved A*-C grades.

Principal David Pomfret, said: 'The College of West Anglia wishes all of our students the very best of luck in their new ventures, upon completing their A-level studies with us.'

Among the students was 19-year-old Emily Butler, of West Walton, who will be starting an English degree at King's College London next month.

Miss Butler was diagnosed with depression and anxiety the week she started her A2 levels but still went on to achieve an A* in English Literature and Language, an A in Sociology, a C in History and a B in her 'extended project'- an independent research project.

'It's been anything but a smooth process, I have had quite a lot of issues with my health. That's been a drawback so I was over-the-moon that despite everything I had been through this year, I got into my firm choice,' she said.

Sophie Chapman, who along with achieving A-levels in Film and Sociology, was award a B for English Literature and Language.

With her results, she hopes to get into the new £6.5m university centre at the CWA Lynn campus, set to open next month.

Alison Hornby, director of sixth form at Downham Market Academy, said this year was 'record breaking'.

'We have had the best results we have ever had. We are really proud of all our students' hard work. Thanks to staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the students get to their destinations.

'We have made a few key changes in our approach. We have really focussed on improving exam technique across all subjects. The students have been a really focussed group, I am pleased they have got the results they deserve.'

One of the students George Broughton achieved an A* in History, an A in Maths and an A in English. He will be going on to study English Literature at Durham University.

Connor Mcnama, 19, is going on to study Computer Game Design at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.

He achieved A-levels in Psychology and English and a Merit in ICT.

A total of 70pc of the grades achieved at King Edward VII Academy, in King's Lynn, were A*-C.

James Lofts, 18, was awarded an A* in maths and A's in Further Maths, Physics and Computing.

He will go on to study engineering at Durham University and will take up a placement at Salisbury Defence Science and Technology Laboratory before he begins his studies.