There were more tears of joy in south Norfolk today as hundreds of students picked up their A-level results with many getting into their first choice university.

Staff and students at Diss High School were celebrating after maintaining last year's high standards.

Many of the 18-year-olds will be heading straight to university in September to avoid big hikes in tuition fees, which will come into force next year.

Staff at Diss High School were unable to provide an A*-C pass rate, but said they were on a par with last year's 82pc.

High achievers included Tom Fleming who got five A*s and will be studying history at Hertford College in Oxford. Oliver Maskell gained four A* grades and one A and will study politics, philosophy, and sociology at Christ's College Cambridge. Aspiring vets Jordan Smith and Sophie Common both gained A*s and As to read veterinary medicine at Nottingham University and the Royal Veterinary College respectively. Josh Smith also gained four A grades and will study medicine at Manchester University.

'Students have once again achieved some of the best A-level results in the country and they are favourable compared to last year. Already over 90pc of students have had their place at university confirmed.

'We are thrilled and delighted with these superb results. This is the reward of very hard work by staff and students,' said headteacher Jan Hunt.

Sixth formers at Attleborough High School delivered a big improvement with 64pc getting A* to Cs compared to last year's 56pc.

'This year shows a significant increase in the number of students achieving top grades. These results reflect the dedication and professionalism of all our staff and the commitment shown by the students and their supportive parents,' said headteacher Neil McShane.

At Wymondham High School, the A* to C pass rate was up 4pc on last year at 78pc.

Headteacher Victoria Musgrave added that 20pc of the sixth formers got A*s, and four students - Adam Dougall, Gabriella Johansson, Liam Carter and Chris Davis - will be going to Cambridge University.

'My thanks to staff, parents and most of all our outstanding students who have worked so very hard and deserve every success. I feel proud and privileged to lead such a centre of academic excellence,' she said.

Wymondham College declined to take part in this year's results round-up and the Hartismere School A-level results were unavailable.

But Louise Clifford, director of sixth form at the Eye academy, praised the dedication of pupils, parents and staff after another 'outstanding' set of results.

She said: 'Students who work hard deserve to gain access to top universities with the best employment prospects.'