SECONDARY schools across the Winchester district reverberated to the sound of ear-piercing screams and whoops of joy.

The weeks of waiting and keeping everything crossed were over - GCSE results day was here again.

With butterflies fluttering in their stomachs, pupils flocked to their schools to find out if all their hard work had paid off.

Most of the students had something to celebrate though as the district's schools maintained their reputation for excellence.

All of the five schools reported overall A*-C grade pass rates of more than 70 per cent.

At The Henry Beaufort School in Harestock, best friends Emily Barrow and Rebecca Massey-Chase were astounded to discover that they had been jointly named as the top two candidates in humanities by exam board AQA. Overall there were more than 100,000 entries in their group. They will both receive a medal and diploma at a special awards ceremony in London in honour of their outstanding achievement.

Rebecca, of Micheldever, got seven A*s, four As and one B. She said: "We're best friends and it is unbelievable that we have both got these results. We studied together and did a big revision night together the night before our humanities exam."

Neither intends to study humanities subjects when they go to Peter Symonds College next month.

Emily, of Headbourne Worthy, achieved 11 A*s and one A. Amid a sea of happy tears, she said: "Even though I've done so well in humanities, I can't see myself doing anything other than medicine"

The school clocked up 73 per cent of passes at A*-C grade, a percentage point up on last year.

Head teacher Jonathan de Sausmarez said: "I am pleased to see that we have

maintained our upward trend and particularly for our able students who have secured the highest number of A* to A in the history of the school."

A total of 26 per cent of all grades were A* or A.

Kings School in Stanmore, reported 82 per cent of grades at A*-C whichconstitutes a three per cent improvement on last year and a record-breaking result.

The class of 2004 was the largest year group to go through the school with 370 pupils.

Head teacher Ray Bradbury said: "Kings proves yet again by sustaining year after year these outstanding results that biggest is best."

The Westgate School in Fulflood reported 75 per cent, which represents a slight increase from last year's figures of 73 per cent.

Peter Jenner, head teacher, said: "It's important to remember just how much hard work goes into getting these results and we are delighted with what everyone has achieved."

Test Valley School in Stockbridge achieved 74 per cent, another improvement on last year.

Wendy Morrish, head teacher, said: "It's a record breaking year and above target so we are very pleased. We got 22 per cent at grades A* or A. It was a very good performance at all levels."

Perins School in Alresford was the only school to report a drop on last year but their fantastic form was always going to be very hard to beat.

About 74 per cent got grades A*-C this year compared to 84 per cent in 2003.

The school was keen to highlight the number of their students who took exams early, especially those Year 11 pupils who sat A-levels in general studies, where three got A grades, and the year 10s who sat AS-levels.