St MacNissi's College's results were described as excellent by principal Eileen O'Loan. Mrs O'Loan said that top grades had been attained across a wide range of subjects. She paid tribute to Year 10 pupil, Fiona Rodgers, who received an A-star in Irish.

"91 percent of the students attained seven or more A-star to C grades and 40 percent of all grades were A-star or A-grades. 98 percent attained five or more A-star to C grades."

Top students included Niamh Horscroft, who attained nine A-stars and one A, Laura McKay, eight A-stars and two As and Maeve Keenan, seven A-stars and three As.

Larne High School's principal, John Armstrong, congratulated pupils on their results. "There have been some notable individual successes in terms of high grades but also many exceptional results from pupils overcoming learning difficulties."

Of those pupils who sat GCSEs 38 percent achieved five or more passes at grade C or above - up from the last two years' results.

Mr Armstrong said: "This year's percentage means we have sustained and actually increased the achievement of our pupils. In real terms the number of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at grade C or above reflects a 50 percent improvement over the last two years. This is absolutely fantastic and a credit to the hard work of our staff and pupils as well as the support given by the parents."

Larne Grammar School's principal, John Wilson, said this year's results were on a par with last year's, the school's best since 2003. "Very few pupils will be disappointed but in general those who put the required effort into their work have succeeded in obtaining excellent results and many have over-achieved."

Top students at Larne Grammar included Rebekah Stafford, who attained eight A-stars, one A and an A in AS Level art. Emma Duff received five A-stars, four As and an A in AS art. Aaron Copeland, Michael Forde, Catherine Hunter, Stuart McIlwaine and Rebekah Patton attained eight A-stars and two As.

The vast majority of GCSE students will return to study at A-Level, Mr Wilson said. "For those not returning we wish them every success. A-Level is not for everyone and the members of the careers team do a very valuable job in assisting and guiding pupils to a destination which suits their aptitude and ability.

"Larne Grammar School has had unprecedented success outside the classroom and continually produces young adults of the highest calibre. It is important not to lose focus with studies and these results prove that those who are totally involved in all aspects of school life can succeed at every level."

Given this year's record GCSE and A-Level results, Mr Wilson added: "Is it any wonder that parents are fearful of the future in a proposed comprehensive system? I can only hope that sense will prevail to allow schools with an academic ethos to continue to exist."

John Mulvenna, St Comgall's College vice principal, said the school was delighted with this year's results.