Although the students are in the middle of their summer holidays, August is a month of apprehension for many youngsters as they await the outcome of years of hard work and determination.

And emotions were riding high on Thursday morning as youngsters ripped open the envelopes to find out if their hard work has paid off.

At Valley Comprehensive School, headteacher Brian Rossiter said results were slightly down on last year's figures, with A* to C pass rates standing at 48 per cent, but said figures would increase once Government standardisation rulings for English and Maths had been finalised.

Valley students have scored some particularly impressive results this year however - one pupil bagged 10 A*s, 1 A and two B grades and another received 9 A*s and one B.

Mr Rossiter congratulated all staff and students for showing true grit and dedication and said the school was working hard to ensure everyone secured the best future option for them, whether into work, education or training.

"I am delighted with the results of these very highly performing students. They are very able and highly motivated people, and the highest performing students' consistently high set of A* and A grades is justly deserved," he said.

"Valley students are showing that they are dedicated to the learning process in the widest sense."

Laura Dunk, 16, of Lichfield Close, Prospect, was delighted to scoop two A*s, four As, three Bs and two Cs and said she was looking forward to getting stuck into her psychology, history, English literature and politics course at Worksop's Post 16 Centre this September.

"I just didn't know what to expect, I was so nervous," she said. "But I'm over the moon and looking forward to going to a party tonight with my friends."

Tom Pieroni, 16, of Mosgrove Close, Gateford, was equally happy with his results of 9 A*s and is also off to the Post 16 Centre to study media, IT, music and English literature/language.

"I'm feeling really proud and relieved," he said. "Anything to get me into sixth form next year is all I wanted, so I am really happy."

Over at Portland Comprehensive, headteacher Paul Buck said the school was enjoying a rise on last year's pass rate from 36 to 48 per cent and praised the staff and students for helping to make this possible.

"It's very pleasing when you predict there's going to be progress and there is, but it was easy to predict because our students have really developed a good attitude to work," he said.

"I know they are all going to succeed whatever they choose to do in the future."

Mr Buck added that many students had exceeded their expectations and said Worksop's Post 16 Centre would be holding special interviews this Thursday at 9am for anyone wishing to explore the further education route.

James Trueman, 16, of Lincoln Street, Manton, said he was overjoyed to get seven As, two Bs and two Cs and a C in AS Level Maths.

"It was both nerve-wracking and exciting waiting for them," he said. "I am looking forward to going to the Post 16 Centre next year to study chemistry, IT, maths and biology."

Added friend Matthew Johnson, 16, of Carling Avenue, who got one A, five Bs and seven Cs: "I am really happy, all that hard work paid off. I am really looking forward to studying geography, history, biology and English literature."

At Clowne Heritage School, headteacher Don Spencer said there was 'much to celebrate from the results'.

Just two years on from the school's best ever GCSE grades, students have hit a new high with 45 per cent of pupils achieving five passes at A* to C.

Eight students achieved 12 or more GCSE passes and more than four fifths achieved at least five GCSE passes.

Mr Spencer was delighted with the results, saying: "Many students continue to achieve beyond expectation, showing that the school is adding value to the achievements of its students."

"This year's successes and achievements represent the significant hard work by our staff, students, governors and the wider community."

"As I said two years ago, and as confirmed by Ofsted, I am confident that this trend of improvement will continue."

Jaz Grewal, 16, of Barlborough Links, is delighted with his five As and five Bs and his BTEC in Sport - the equivalent of four GCSE passes.
"I was shaking when I first opened the envelope and I had a massive grin as I read the results."

Damian Lomas, of Church Street, Creswell, was delighted with his 13 GCSE passes.

"I'm really pleased and looking forward to going out and celebrating with my family and friends."

Also from Creswell, Kirsty Gibbon was overjoyed with her three A*s, six As and 4 Bs and is jetting off to Florida today to celebrate.

"I was quite shocked when I read them and I've definitely made some money out of my parents as an incentive to do well."

At Worksop College, teachers were delighted that 92 per cent of grades were at A*-C, with 21 per cent of passes at A*.

Two of the college's success stories were Rosie Beckett and Henry Somers who both scooped ten A* grades, while another six pupils achieved A and A* grades for all their exams.

Headmaster, Roy Collard said: "For some of our pupils passing core subjects and excelling in their specialism is a huge achievement. For others, these examinations have been about striving for the highest grades across all subjects."

"We are as proud of our less gifted pupils as we are of our top academics: all pupils are valued members of our community and play a role in the success of each other."

"The majority of our pupils will stay on at the College to study A-Levels and their success is a reflection of our carefully balanced curriculum that allows individuals to study a range of subjects, most suited to their needs, in small class sizes."

"We are delighted that our status as an independent school allows us to offer these opportunities to our pupils so that they can each realise their potential."

And it was smiles all round at Sheffield High School for two Worksop pupils, who helped the school hit a 70 per cent pass rate at A or A*.

Emily Norman, of Meadow Lea, scooped eight A*s and one A just one week on since her sister, Sophie, bagged four A grades in her A-levels.

Aoife Robinson, of Sparken Hill, also impressed examiners and achieved five A*s and four As.

At Serlby Park School in Bircotes, students achieved a record A to C grade pass rate of 57 per cent - seven per cent better than the previous best grades ever recorded at the school.

"We are delighted, the kids and the teachers have worked very hard and the results reflect that," said acting headteacher Steve Geraghty.

"The year 11 pupils have always been a very close group - they had a fantastic time at the school prom in June. They are a fantastic year and we always knew they would do well."

Emily Whitehouse, 16, scooped one A*, seven A grades, and two Bs and said that she is delighted to see that her grades reflect the amount of effort she has put into her exams.

"I am very happy with my grades," she Emily, who hopes to study to become a vet. "It's exactly what I wanted and I worked really hard for my exams, so I deserve what I got."

And 16-year-old pupil Nicola Brydie said she was over-the-moon with her GCSE grades - three As, five Bs, one C and two Ds.

"I'm really pleased, I did well in the subjects I concentrated on. I worked really hard and now it has all paid off," she said. "I will be going to a party with my friends on the weekend to celebrate."

Alicia Brown, 16, secured all A and B grades, Sadie Wilson achieved three As, seven Bs and a C grade, Jessica Reddington scooped three As, five Bs and two Cs.

And 16-year-old Abigail Pendlebury achieved one A, five Cs and five Bs.
Personal advisers at Connexions Notts are on hand to discuss with students the different options available in light of exam results.

They offer advice on job vacancies, college places, training, diplomas, apprenticeships, grants and benefits.

"Firstly, don't panic. Whatever grades you've got, whether better or worse than expected, you still have a wide choice of things to do, and there is no reason why you can't still go on to pursue your chosen career," said Connexions personal adviser, Rebecca Smith.

Young people who want to discuss their options post exam results, should call their local Connexions centre on 01777 710701 (Retford) or 01909 473165 (Worksop).

Or visit www.sortitonline.com or www.connexions-direct.com for more tips and advice.