A host of schools in south Norfolk and north Suffolk were celebrating record results as hundreds of 16-year-olds picked up their GCSE results today.

Teachers and pupils at Hartismere School in Eye, Archbishop Sancroft High in Harleston, and Long Stratton High were toasting their schools' best ever results.

Hartismere School, which became an academy last year, retained its high standards with 97pc getting five or more A* to Cs.

Headteacher James McAtear said: 'This is an excellent way to celebrate our first full year as a music academy. The whole community around the school, the supportive nature of our parents, the talent of our staff, the attitude of our scholars and the guidance of our governors deserve all the credit for an outstanding set of results,' said

And one of the most improved schools was Long Stratton High, with 83pc of students gaining five or more A* to C grades, which topped the record results of the last two years.

Acting headteacher John Wilson said: 'We are incredibly proud to have achieved such outstanding results, breaking all records for the school. The 83pc five A*-Cs reflects the true talents and hard work of our students. We would also like to acknowledge the support of our parents and the determination and commitment of our staff.'

Diss High students recorded 85pc five or more A* to C, but the figures for English and maths were slightly down on last year.

Headteacher Jan Hunt said the GCSE results were 'very pleasing'.

'We have been particularly impressed by the progress made by those students for whom academic study is a challenge. It is wonderful to see hard work rewarded. Congratulations to both staff and students,' she said.

A new school record was set at Archbishop Sancroft High School where 72pc of students gained A* to C grades.

'We are proud of this achievement as our students continue to undertake a programme of traditional full GCSEs. It is also very important to recognise the achievement of our many students for whom learning is a real challenge and others who have succeeded by overcoming huge obstacles in their personal lives this year,' said headteacher Richard Cranmer.

Ben Parsons, 16, became the Harleston school's highest achieving GCSE pupil in its history gaining 9.5 A* grades, one A and two Bs.

Greek speaker and fellow pupil Iaonnis Anthymdis gained 13 GCSEs graded A* to C, despite English not being his first language.

Old Buckenham High School was on a par with last year with 71pc of students getting five or more A* to C grades.

'The already outstanding overall results are a reflection of our students' hard work and enthusiasm and we are immensely proud of them all. I should also like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff at the school whose commitment and dedication, with the support of parents and carers have paid such dividends in helping our students to achieve their potential at school.' – headteacher Peter Whear.

At Stradbroke Business and Enterprise College, 66pc of students achieved five or more A* to Cs.

'The results this year were in line with school predictions with some excellent individual performances and many pupils, with the support of teachers and pupils/carers have achieved commendable results,' said headteacher Andrew Bloom.

GCSE results were almost 10pc down at Attleborough High where 65pc achieved five or more A* to C.

Head Neil McShane said: 'Expectations for this year's cohort were less than last year, but they still achieved well with some outstanding individual and subject performance. This is a reflection of the commitment and dedication shown by the students and staff together with the continued support of our parents.'