Thousands of students from across north Essex ripped open their A-level results today to see whether they had made the grade for university.

For many it was a happy moment as they secured top grades and a place at their chosen university while others were left with tough decisions to make about what to do next.

At Thurstable School in Tiptree 98% of the 75 pupils achieved A*-E grades, with 51% gaining A*-Cs.

Headteacher Miles Bacon said: “Achievement and attainment are up this year, with more of our students making more progress and achieving higher grades than in 2012 in almost all subjects.

“There are a large number of excellent individual performances, and the great majority of students got the grades they needed. “Hannah Dennis, Alice Diss and Molly Kelleher all gained the equivalent of three A* grades at A-level.

“These results reflect a great deal of hard work by students, and the expertise, dedication and professionalism of our staff.”

Colchester Sixth Form College achieved above national average A-level results.

More than 1,300 students sat their A-levels and scored a pass rate of 98% with 50% of those gaining A*-B grades.

While 100% pass rated were achieved in 25 of the A-level subjects including art, English language, music and Spanish.

Principal Ian MacNaughton said: “The students’ achievements are quite outstanding and they must be very warmly congratulated.”

More than 1,000 of the students obtained the necessary qualifications to secure their university degree places.

At Philip Morant College in Colchester, 97 students sat A-level exams and scored a 99.3% pass rate for grades A*-E.

A total of 66.3% achieved grades at A*-C.

Head of college Gareth Staines said: “I am proud of the students’ achievements.

“There are many individual success stories that lie behind these results.

“Some of our students have spent their whole secondary school career at Philip Morant and some only join us in the sixth form. “On a personal level, it is great to see students such as Ella Chapman whom I have taught on-and-off throughout her time at Philip Morant achieve straight A-grades in English, mathematics and history.

“It is also very gratifying to see students who have overcome additional hurdles do so well: Paul Marin, for instance, who joined us from Romania and achieved AAB in chemistry, mathematics and business.

“We work very closely with our students and build excellent relationships over the two years they spend in the College, so to see the culmination of all of that effort is very gratifying.”

Students at Colchester County High School for Girls achieved another set of outstanding results with 100% of all pupils sitting the exams achieving A*-E grades with 98% achieving A*-C grades.

Headteacher Gillian Marshall said: “We are extremely proud of the students.

“These are the best results achieved at this school for many, many years.

“Congratulations are sent to all associated with this remarkable achievement.”

Hedingham School is celebrating another successful year with 98% gaining grades A*-E and 69% scoring A*-C grades.

Headteacher John Panayi said special must go to art students who achieved five A*, three A and two C grades.

He added: “We are very pleased to achieve a 98% pass rate at A-level.

“The school continues to set high expectations for the students and this is again reflected in the results.

“I would like to thank the commitment and hard work demonstrated by all students, staff and parents.”

At Colchester Royal Grammar School has achieved another set of bumper results with 172 pupils gaining a 100% pass rate for A*-E, with 99% earning A*-C grades.

The school achieved a total of 236 A* grades at A-level.

Headteacher Ken Jenkinson said: “This year’s students have done incredibly well and are to be congratulated on their stellar success.

“Not only have they met high academic targets, they have also contributed significantly to the wider life of the school. “Music, sport, drama and other extracurricular activities have flourished under their lead, and they have been a vibrant, active and very diverse year group.

“I wish all the students well in their university courses which they can embark upon with confidence and enthusiasm.”

The 92 students at Clacton Coastal Academy achieved an 100% pass rate for A*-E grades, with 84% gaining A*-Cs.

Principal Tracey Hemming said: “We are delighted at the attainment and the progress that our sixth form students have made.

“It’s a testament to the incredibly hard-working students, staff and parents as well as the support of our sponsor AET that we have a continued trend of improvement at the academy.”

Tendring Technology College is celebrating after receiving improved A-level results with 74% of pupils scoring A*-C and 99.6% achieving A*-E grades.

James Saunders, assistant principal and director of sixth form, said: “We have lots to celebrate.

“We have great results which reflect the outstanding teaching and support available to all students.

“It’s wonderful to see young people reaping the rewards of the hardwork and dedication they have demonstrated towards their studies.”

Staff and students at Colne Community School and College achieved a 10% pass rate for A*-E grades with highest achiever Amber Pullen earning three A*s and a B.

Executive principal Nardeep Sharma said: “I am delighted all the Colne College students’ and teachers’ hard work has culminated in a successful group of results.

“The college is growing and the results reflect its vibrant nature.”

Students at Clacton County High School have built on their achievements and gained a 99.8% A*-E pass rate, with 78% of grades A*-C.

Principal Jeff Brindle said: “Once again the results in the Sixth Form have surpassed all expectations.

“For the fourth year running we have seen exceptional achievement across the board.

“The proportion of students achieving the highest grades is very impressive and is down to the exceptional efforts made by this group of students and their teachers.”