Thousands of students across Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands have been collecting their A-level, T-level and BTec exam results.
Top marks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland rose for a third year in a row. A total of 28.5% of all grades were marked at A* or A.
A record number of 18-year-olds across the UK secured a place at their first choice of university, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) said.
The overall pass rate for A-levels taken by students in Jersey was 98.7%. The States of Guernsey said the overall Bailiwick A*-E and IB equivalent pass rate (Grades 7-2) was 99.2%.
Penwith College in Cornwall offers a range of A-level equivalent options, with students going on to follow a variety of career paths. The head of A-levels at Penwith, Dr Elle Wheatley, said the grades had been "absolutely wonderful" and were "record-breaking" for the college.
"We've done even better this year," she said.
"We got 11.2% A*s, 32.3% A* to B, which is just significantly above national average and we are just so proud of the students."
BTec student Ellie is set to study midwifery at Plymouth University after receiving three distinction stars in health and social care. She said: "I think BTecs becoming more known and more accepted.
"I think it's brilliant and the support is amazing for them."
Freddy, a T-level games design student at Penwith, said he thought attitudes to T-levels were also "changing slowly". He added the program was the "right choice" for him.
"It's only one course and I like to focus my effort on one thing at a time so then I can do the best I can at it," he said.
Fellow student Johnny secured three A*s in his A-levels. Despite his top grades, he said he did not intend to go to university.
"I'm aiming to do the police degree apprenticeship [PCDA], which is a sort of three-year course where they pay you to go through a degree," he explained.
"You earn while you learn with the PCDA, so I think that's definitely a good option.
"I think a lot of people are realising the debt you get from university and it doesn't always guarantee a career, so it's a gamble really."
Exeter College student Jack said: "I've got an apprenticeship with the Met Office after getting my distinction." He is among some who talk to the BBC about their results.
Others said they intended to take some time out before starting any more education.
Mia, an applied science student at Exeter College, said she was "really, really happy" to wake up to three distinctions.
Students Celebrate Top Exam Grades Across the Region