Across the district students had been anxiously waiting to discover if they have secured their chosen place at university.

And once again the results released have far exceeded the national average.

Headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School, Richard Sheriff, said the most exciting part of the day was seeing the smiles on students faces as they received their results.

For the first time the results of the International Baccalaureate have been released, and five students have been placed in the top three per cent worldwide. One received 44 points - putting him within the highest one per cent in the world.

Daniel Penman, 18, will now go on to read History at Cambridge.

"Today is a lovely morning to be a headteacher, to walk among the students and to hear their excitement," said Mr Sheriff.

St Aidan's and St John Fishers Associated Sixth Form have once again secured a high level of success, with 61 per cent of students earning grades As or Bs, and 14 students securing a place at an Oxbridge university.

Leeds Grammar School's Seb Farquhar, 17, is celebrating six A grades and will now go on to study Physics & Philosophy at Balliol College, Oxford.

Harrogate Ladies College welcomed an overall pass rate of 98.7 per cent, with 47.5 per cent of these Grade As.

Student Rebecca Singh received five A grades, and is going to read Medicine at Imperial College.

Geoff Mitchell of Tadcaster Grammar School said:"It's a great day. There's nothing to dampen the spirits of the people we have just given the results to.

Mr Mitchell estimated more than 90 per cent of the 18-year-olds would now be heading off to their first choice university.

Also celebrating were students at Sherburn High School, where the pass rate rose to 95 per cent and the average point score per student was the second-best ever at 645.

Students at Boston Spa School and Wetherby High School also had cause for celebration as they collected their marks.

Wetherby's assistant headteacher Mark McKelvie said: "We would like to congratulate all of our students on their exam successes."

Gateways School saw a pass rate of 100 per cent, and over 65 per cent of results were Grade A or B. They said: "Our sixth form leavers have much to be proud of. We wish them well and look forward to celebrating their success with them at our Graduation Dinner in September."

Ashville College pupil, Emily Gould, is celebrating her five As, getting the top grades in biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics and general studies.

The school results showed 35 per cent of all exam results at Grade A and 60 per cent at A and B grade. The overall pass rate was 98 per cent.