THERE were tears and cheers at Hedingham School as teenagers ripped open envelopes containing their A-level results.

Students at the school, in Yeldham Road, Sible Hedingham, achieved a 95 per cent pass rate.

A total of 34 per cent of the passes were at grade A or B – a slight increase on last year’s results.

The average points score of students for their entry to university places has also risen.

Camilla Snell gained four grade As and a merit in the advanced extension award for German. She hopes to read European Law at Exeter University.

She said: “It’s so unexpected.”

Sarah Flagg, who gained two As and a B, and an A in A/S in further maths, is going to study medicine.

The 18-year-old, from Helions Bumpstead, said: “I was running around the house at 7am and I managed to get something down for breakfast.

“I’m very pleased with my results.”

Rebecca Crago achieved two As and a B, which will enable her to study psychology at East Anglia University.

Charlotte Branwhite, who also secured two As and a B, will study accountancy at Essex University.

Deputy headteacher Gerry Gurhy said: “Overall, students should be proud of the results they have achieved as they reflect their hard work.

“There is an annual inquest into standards by some political groups, pointing to the high pass rate as a sign exams are easy.

“What has changed in recent years is students and their teachers are much better informed about the progress they are making on their courses because the exam boards provide precise information.

“Students who are failing courses modify their study programmes.”