Sleepless nights, constantly checking computers for university offers, endlessly visualising essay questions - and that was just the parents.
A-Level results were finally released on Thursday, much to the relief of students, and their families, who finished their exams in June, and since then have prefaced any mention of university or post-school plans with the disclaimer: "If I get the grades."
Nationally, a record number of students secured a university place for September, with pass rates rising to 98.1 per cent. This trend was clear to see at Jewish schools across the the country.
JFS in Kenton revealed that 10 students secured their places at either Oxford or Cambridge, while an "overwhelming majority" won places at their first choice universities. Three students are now off to medical school.
The school said it had been an "outstanding" year, with a record number of A*s and As. Almost 50 per cent of all results were either A* or A, while 70 students out of 258 in total achieved at least an A in all three A-Levels.
Overall, the school had a pass rate of 99.7 per cent, while every one of the 15 students who sat the CACHE Diploma course, which is equivalent to three A-Levels, earned the highest result possible - a triple A grade.
Students Benjamin Hilton and Kadya Wittenberg were just a few who were singled out for their stellar marks, each receiving four A*s, while Benjamin Pollins and Oz Kilim each achieved three A*s and one A.
"We are immensely proud of all our students who achieved record-breaking results this year," said JFS headteacher Jonathan Miller. "We pass on our heartiest congratulations to all the students, their parents and our staff."
The school's assistant head Simon Appleman added: "It is always a challenge for us to uphold our results, but we focus on achievement across the board. It is right that we provide support and variety for all students."
He said that this year's results were just one of the factors that made JFS "a great school, regardless of what an Ofsted inspection says".
The school was ranked at number 61 out of 400 state schools, based on the percentage of A-Levels graded between A* and B.
Yavneh College, Borehamwood, also celebrated another successful year, with headteacher Spencer Lewis saying he was "delighted with the results".
For the second year in a row, the school was named the best performing non-selective state school in the country, and was ranked at number 26 out of 400 state schools, based on the percentage of A*, A or B grades.
Ninety-four per cent of students received a grade C or above, while 84 per cent of results were either A*, A or B. Two pupils secured their places at Cambridge, while another three won spots to study medicine. Special mention went to Ben Brown, who achieved three A*s and one A, and Nathan Dean, who won three A*s.
"This is a result of a lot of hard work on the part of pupils, and expert, dedicated teaching on the part of our very high calibre staff," said Mr Lewis.
In Manchester, King David High reported "excellent results".
The school, which is made up of three campuses, King David, Yavneh Yeshiva and Yavneh Girls, had a pass rate of 99.2 per cent, with 79 per cent of all grades being A*, A or B.
The school's chairman of governors Joshua Rowe said: "We are delighted for the students and the teachers who worked so hard to achieve this."
In Liverpool, King David High commended its A-Level students as "an outstanding year group who have received just rewards for their mature approach, hard work and efforts".
More than 50 per cent of all grades achieved at the school were either A*, A or B.
Meanwhile, Hasmonean High School in Hendon reported a record level of A* and A grades. More than 25 per cent of the school's 114 sixth form students achieved at least three As. Pupils will now take up places at universities including Cambridge, UCL, King's College London and Queen Mary, as well as spots at medical and dental school.
The school had a pass rating of 99.7 per cent, with 94 per cent receiving grades A* to C.
Andrew McClusky, Hasmonean's executive headteacher, said he was "delighted" with the results.
"They are a testament to the tenacity and determination of our students and the calibre of our teachers," he said. "I am proud to lead a school which achieves such exceptional academic results and which manages to achieve so much more as well. Instilling the best attitudes and values within students comes first and foremost at Hasmonean."
King Solomon High School, Redbridge, also said it was "delighted". Seventy-five per cent of pupils achieved between an A* and a C, with 58 per cent gaining a B or higher. Notable achievers included Daniella Goldman, who gained two A*s and a B, and Ben Igielman, who earned two A*s and an A.
The school also celebrated the success of students who sat BTECs in media, with eight students gaining a Distinction.
In Hertfordshire, JCoSS welcomed its second ever batch of A-Level marks. The school saw 37 per cent of its 33 students achieve an A or higher, a result that almost doubled since last year, with over a third gaining two As or more.
Headteacher Patrick Moriarty said: "These results show students and teachers building on the successes of last year and achieving magnificently. The students have only been with us for two years, and these excellent results reflect the hard work put in by students and teachers alike."
Finally, Immanuel College in Bushey saw 84 per cent of its students achieve a grade B or higher. The school had a 100 per cent pass rate, with A* grades for all students in their Hebrew, photography and physical education exams. Eighty-seven per cent of students won places at their first or second choice of university, a significant increase since last year.
"We are endlessly proud of the successes and life opportunities earned by our students," said Immanuel head Charles Dormer.
"We send congratulations to all our children and families, and our very best wishes to the sixth formers of all Jewish schools, wishing them similar success."
