EDUCATION officials in the region have congratulated students on their achievements, saying they should be “very proud” of their A-level results.

There was, however, disappointment for some – with many schools following the national trend with a dip in the number of those getting A* to Cs.

This fall was also reflected in many of Suffolk and Essex private schools, with a tougher marking regime blamed as one of the reasons for the downturn.

In east Suffolk, there were particularly good results for Alde Valley School, previously Leiston High, and Stowmarket High, which both saw increases in A*-C passes.

Keith Penn, headteacher at Stowmarket, said: “We are absolutely delighted. The results are far higher than the student’s predictions – they have exceeded them by some considerable way.”

Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for education, congratulated all students on their exam results and said they should be very proud of their grades.

He said: “This is now an incredibly exciting time for these young people as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, whether it be entering into higher education or taking their first steps on their career ladder.”

County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds saw A*-C passes rise from 86% in 2011 to 90% this year, and at Great Cornard Upper School A*-C passes went from 61% to 68.8%. King Edward VI School in Bury also saw an impressive increase in the number of A* to C grades – rising from 84% in 2011 to 92%.

County Upper School headteacher Vicky Neale, said she was “delighted” with the results, while King Edward’s Geoff Barton said students had done the school proud.

Mr Newman added: “For those who are not intending to go onto university there are plenty of opportunities here in Suffolk for apprenticeships and internships in some of our leading industries.”

In Essex, Hedingham School pupils achieved an improved set of results with 74% of scoring A*-C grades compared to last year’s 64%. All pupils achieved A*-E grades.

Headteacher John Panayi said: “This is the first time the school has achieved this which clearly reflects the hard work that the students have undertaken with their teachers, and the support given to them by their parents.” It was also a successful day for Clacton County High School where 82% of students attained A*-C grades compared to 80% in 2011.

Stephen Castle, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “There will be many students looking forward to beginning university or furthering their education in other ways.

“There will also be lots of people looking forward to entering the world of work. Whatever their plans, I want to wish them all the very best of luck for the future. Essex County Council is dedicated to increasing educational achievement across the county and ensuring that all children get the education they deserve.

“We are also committed to building the best education system so that every pupil can go on to fulfil their potential.”