TEENAGERS across Lowestoft and Southwold had cause for celebration when A level results were announced yesterday.Many students at the area's schools and colleges exceeded expectations - allowing them to celebrate getting the grades needed to secure their university places after years of hard work.

TEENAGERS across Lowestoft and Southwold had cause for celebration when A level results were announced yesterday.

Many students at the area's schools and colleges exceeded expectations - allowing them to celebrate getting the grades needed to secure their university places after years of hard work.

At Denes High School, results improved from last year, with 57pc of students gaining A* to C grades in their A level exams, compared to 49pc last year, and 97pc getting grades between A* and E.

Headteacher Mick Lincoln said: 'We're very pleased. It is early days yet to say who has got their university place. A lot of hard work went into it. Congratulations to the students and staff.'

Grades at Kirkley High School showed a marked improvement on last year, with 63pc of pupils getting A* to C grades, an increase from 48pc in 2009. The A-E grade pass rate also rose from 92pc in 2009 to 95pc this year.

Richard Pickard, headteacher, said: 'This year's results show yet another improvement, marking a three years rise in performance.

'The biggest area of improvement was in the percentage of A*-C results which indicates that there were a greater proportion of students attaining higher grade passes.

'Obviously we need to recognise that the A level results are a consortium effort and my thanks are extended to our consortium partners. We are very proud of all of our students and delighted to have the opportunity to share in their achievements.'

Benjamin Britten High School acting headteacher David Park said he was 'delighted' with the achievement of students. Results were similar to last year, with 95pc of pupils getting A* to E grades, down slightly from 97pc in 2009, and 52pc gained A* to C grades.

Mr Park said he was particularly pleased with the results in English language and literature and history. 'I am delighted for all our pupils who have studied hard over the past couple of years. Most of our students have achieved what they needed to go on to university and it has been great to share in their excitement today as they look forward to the next step in their education,' he said.

Pupils at St Felix School, near Southwold, also performed well, with 72pc achieving A* to C grades, and 31pc of those achieving A* or A grades.

Headteacher David Wood said: 'Many of our students have performed better than their predicted grades, producing high value-added scores. A year that has seen over-subscription for places for many university courses has put added pressure on our students.

'We are delighted for all our students who have been accepted on their courses this year.'

l Students from the Kirkley area who are starting their studies at university next month could be entitled to financial support from a trust set up to help local people.

The Kirkley Poor's Land Estate can consider grant applications from students taking a first degree at university, beginning in September. To be eligible, applicants must live within the ancient ecclesiastical parish of Kirkley - details of which are displayed on local noticeboards - and must also be in receipt of the full non re-payable maintenance grant of �2906.00 from Student Finance England.

Students must provide evidence of their eligibility to all of the above.

The grant may be up to �100 per term for three years.

l For further information or to make an application, write to: The Clerk, Kirkley Poor's Land Estate, 4, Station Road, Lowestoft, NR32 4QF.