Students across South West receive GCSE results
BBCThe wait is over for thousands of students receiving their GCSE or equivalent results across Devon and Cornwall.
A total of 67.3% of all grades across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year were marked at 4/C and above - down slightly on the 67.4% last year.
Among those celebrating was Tor Bridge High in Devon, which saw a record year for scores including double the number of top 7+ grades.
Paignton Academy also gained "significant improvement" in English, with a 10% improvement at grade 4 and 9% at grade 5.
Principal Derwyn Williams said the results "reflect the hard work of our students... it is fantastic to see progress across a range of subjects".
Tor Bridge High headteacher Tracy Stephenson said it had been "the best year of results we've ever had".
"I'm just so exceptionally proud because that is our students' individual successes and just celebrating all that hard work and effort and seeing those smiling faces today is what we do the job for," she said.
Tor Bridge pupil Megan was among those celebrating at the school on Thursday.
"I was trying to not get my expectations up too high but I'm really pleased," she said.
"In history I got a 7 and in my mock I got a 3 so I'm really, really happy."
Classmate Ethan, who scored 7s, 6s and a 5 in French, added: "I did really well, I'm happy with how I did.
"I'm just going to give my A-levels my best shot and see where it takes me from there."
Student Jamie also passed with flying colours.
He said: "I can go and do the apprenticeship I wanted, I'm hoping to be an electrical engineer."
Oscar, a South Devon UTC student, said earlier he was feeling excited but "a little nervous" about getting his results.
The teenager, from Ivybridge, Devon, said he sat exams for the core subjects - English, maths and sciences - as well as a GCSE equivalent in Cambridge Nationals for engineering.
"My school offers a very special tailored course depending on what it is they wanted to do," he told BBC Radio Devon.
"It's essentially the same as a regular GCSE but on top of exams, you will have practical work teaching you the subject you're trying to learn."
In England, pupils who do not get at least a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths have to continue studying it alongside their next course.
Oscar said he loved engineering and hopes to get a 4 so he can continue the subject in sixth form.
His mother, Vicky, said she saw how much effort her son and the college put in and was glad results day was here.
"Oscar's worked really hard... I'm hoping he'll do really well because his engineering mind has been nurtured," he said.
"There's a lot of opportunities in the South West for engineering so it feels like the right place to have started that journey."
'Extremely proud'
Students at City College Plymouth were celebrating 98% pass rate in their Level 2 Technical and GCSE results.
Among those sitting exams were more than 1,300 pupils aged 16 to 18 who were resitting some GCSEs.
Jackie Grubb, chief executive of City College, said: "We are extremely proud of the results achieved by our students.
"These amazing results are a credit to our amazing staff who have been there to guide and support them every step of the way.
"For those receiving their results today, I hope that they have achieved the grades they deserve."
At Brixham College, those achieving the highest grades of 7 and above in English and maths increased by 3%.
The school also saw a 60% rise in the number of top grade 9s.
Rebecca Blackshaw, principal at the college, said the day was about "celebrating every student's individual success" and recognising the "many different exciting opportunities ahead".
'More than grades'
In Penzance, Mounts Bay Academy executive principal Simon Horner said he was "incredibly proud" of what this year's GCSE pupils had achieved.
He said: "These results represent far more than grades. They reflect years of hard work, perseverance and personal growth.
"Every student receiving their results today has their own story, their own challenges they have overcome and their own successes to celebrate."
Holsworthy Community College principal Andrew Sweeney, added: "Behind every grade is a story of perseverance, ambition and personal growth, and it is wonderful to see so many students achieving their goals and opening doors to exciting future opportunities."
