Last week saw success stories across the borough at A-Level, and today the spotlight shifted to the thousands of Year 11s who picked up their GCSE grades.

It was an emotional day for the youngsters in Dinnington, Maltby, Wales and Aston - with improvements reflecting the national picture.

Among the exceptional pupils was 16-year-old Nathan MacPherson, from Wales High, who achieved an astonishing 12 A* grades.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "I did put the work in, as you have to do, but I still wasn't expecting to do so well. I was quite nervous this morning but now I'm just happy that I've got them."

"I quite like maths and the sciences so I'll be doing biology, chemistry, maths and Spanish next year at Wales sixth form."

Lucas Brammar, 16, attained seven A*s and four As. He said he was 'caught by surprise' with his grades, adding: "It certainly isn't easy to get the top grades and you do have to go that step further, particularly in the sciences. So I'm glad the hard work has paid off."

Headteacher John Day said the school was delighted with the summer's record achievements at GCSE and A Level. The percentage of pupils finishing Year 11 with five A-C grades increased to 66 per cent, and 99 per cent of school leavers picking up at least one pass.

"There has been a significant increase on the GCSE results last year in several ways," said Mr Day. "These results are the best ever and once again show a massive improvement on the yearly performance."

"There has been a significant achievement with certain individuals, as there is every year, with the youngsters getting just rewards for the hard work that they have put in."

At Maltby Comprehensive, Dale Waterhouse returned home from his summer holiday to find nine starred A grades on his results sheet. And he took one exam a year early, meaning his total number of A* grades are now into double figures.

"I'm quite interested in surgery and animals, so being a vet is something I quite like," said Dale, 16. "I'm doing the three sciences and maths at A Level and would then like to go to Oxford or Cambridge."

Assistant headteacher Pete Hodgson said: "I think it's unprecedented here for someone to have got an A* in every subject taken."

"And overall, the number of students achieving five A-Cs was above 50 per cent for the first time, that's up six from last year, and 97 per cent got at least one pass."

Headteacher David Sutton said the 2008 results showed the foundations were there for a very bright future at the school.

"I feel like a weight's been lifted from my shoulders," said Claire Hannington, whose three A*s, three As and five Bs will take her to Thomas Rotherham College in September.

The parents of Maltby pupil Dexter Skinner - who was killed by a nut allergy reaction in July - attended the Braithwell Road comprehensive to pick up his results. Dexter achieved an A* in English literature, an A, three Bs and three Cs.

One of Dinnington's outstanding students was Sam Chambers, who notched up eight A*s and two As.

"I was hoping to well, but there was always that bit of doubt in my mind," he said. "Now that I've got my results I'n just glad the wait's over. I'm staying on at sixth form in September and would eventually like to study medicine."

"But for now I'm just going out to celebrate the good news."

The Doe Quarry Lane school's progress at GCSE level will see the biggest ever further education intake this September. But headteacher Paul Blackwell said there was no room for complacency.

"Last year's GCSEs were our best ever, and we are only one per cent down this year," he said. "Particular subjects where we have done well are resistant materials, PE, health and social care and business studies."

"Overall we are pleased and we hope to keep about 120 of the Year 11 students, which will make next year's sixth form the biggest ever."

"Having consolidated the numbers achieving five A-Cs in the low 50 per cent area, the challenge now is to get nearer to 60."

Staff were keen to point out that the top three achievers at Aston Comprehensive were boys. Lewis Powell, 16, picked up eight A*s and two As.

"It all feels a bit surreal and wierd at the moment, I dont think the reality has actually sunk in yet."

Classmate Lauren Clarke will take her A Levels at St Mary's College in Spinkhill, Killamarsh, after winning seven A*s, two As and one B.

And nerves got the better of one Aston pupil, who was leaving her envelope sealed until later in the day.

"I'm pretty conident in art and drama but I'm worried about the rest," said Emily Fletcher. "I was so nervous last night I couldn't sleep. Hopefully they will be all right but I'm not too sure."

An impressive 68 per cent of youngsters left the Aughton Road school with at least five A-C passes, and deputy headteacher Andy Hodgson said the stats again pointed to the headway being made.

"Once again we're thrilled," he said. "These are the second record-breaking results at the school in two years. We have 54 per cent of pupils gaining five A-C grades including maths and English, which is up three per cent and shows the continued upward trend."

"As ever, there have been some outstanding individual performances with no fewer than a dozen getting all A* and A grades. And I can imagine there will be lots of celebrations throughout the day."

Rotherham councillor Shaun Wright said the scores had been another boost for everyone involved in education in the borough.

"Again we must congratulate all students, parents, teachers, staff and governors for their hard work. We have again seen a rise at slightly above that seen nationally, which shows that we continue to be heading on the right lines to improve our education standards."

Connexions Rotherham is on-hand to offer advice and guidance to pupils, whatever their results. Personal advisers can help by discussing the different options available to young people in light of their exams.

Those who want to discuss their options after exam results can call Connexions Rotherham on 01709 821184 or visit the website by clicking here.