Students collect their A-level results

These students were overjoyed after collecting their A-level results at Parrs Wood High School in Manchester Photograph: /Christopher Thomond

The national trend was for year-on-year improvements and record results Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Four students at Parrs Wood High School in Manchester got 4 A grades, 28 others got 3 A grades. Overall 84% of their students gained A-C grades, while nine have Oxbridge offers Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Students happily consider their futures after collecting their results Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Some people prefer to be alone when they get big news. A girl reads her results at Withington Girls School in Manchester Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

A distraught pupil from Hayesfield Sixth Form in Bath is comforted by a teacher Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A pupil studies his A-level results at Brighton College. Universities reported recieving calls on clearing phonelines as early as 7.50am Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

Students from Withington Girls School in Manchester compare results Photograph: Dave Thompson/PA

Jessica King and her mother Julia, react to her A-level results at Latymer Upper School in London. Jessica got five A grades Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters

Kay Durham from Hayesfield Sixth Form in Bath reacts as she opens her A-level results Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A student celebrates getting four A grades at Latymer Upper School in London Photograph: Luke Macgregor/Reuters