It was an anxious morning for many but it seems all the hard work has paid off as the A level pass rate has improved across the county.

More than 7,000 pupils sat their exams at the start of the summer and many are now secure in their places at university or in training and employment.

Cllr Mike Whiting, deputy cabinet member for education at Kent County Council, said that was down to the hard work of staff and pupils.

"It is not an easier life for pupils today," he added. "The hard work of staff and pupils seems to be paying off.

"It is great for the pupils and gives them a stab at what is a very competitive year this year."

High fives and hugs were the order of the day for many students at Herne Bay High receiving their results.

Youngsters at the school achieved 100% pass rates in the majority of subjects with grades A* to B recorded in English Literature, media studies, travel and tourism, art graphics, fine art, dance, history, religious studies, psychology, product design and general studies.

A total of 92 % of the final year students gained two, three or four full A levels.

Vice principal Chris Evans, director of Post 16 learning, said: “Over 150 students have applied to join the 6th Form in September and we remain in a strong position to offer a full range of successful courses for the students who live in and around Herne Bay.”

Of the 89 youngsters that sat final exams this summer, more than 50 will be heading for university.

Celebrations were also in order at Whitstable Community College after one of its pupils got five A-levels - the first time this has happened.

Daniel Cotter, 18, who lives in Whitstable, will now go to Canterbury Christ Church University to study for a degree in history.

The school said it was pleased with its results this year, with 80 per cent of pupils achieving two A-levels at grades A-E. And its average points score has gone up from 507 last year to 543 this year.

Deputy head teacher Gary Simm said: “We are very pleased with the results. Many pupils have received grades which will allow them to go on to further study.”

The Abbey School in Faversham was happy to report that every student who sat business, film, psychology, sports science and performing arts achieved an A to E grade.

A total of 57 students sat A-levels at the London Road school, twice as many as the previous year, and the average points they each obtained has also risen from 440 per student in 2010 to 480 in 2011.

Headteacher Catrin Woodend said: “They are lovely young people who will go on to do well.

“Offering a wider curriculum means more students have studied A-levels.

"Yet again students have surpassed themselves and got good grades.

“We could not be prouder.”

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham were also delighted with their A-level performances.

A total of 116 students took 518 examinations, achieving an overall 99.8% pass rate.

The average A-level points per student rose from 232 to 239. Other headline figures include 37% of all grades were at A* and A, 68% of all grades were at A* to B and 90% of all grades were A* to C.

Headteacher David Anderson said: “The vast majority of students have achieved three or more good A-levels and have gained the grades they needed for their future plans, be it university, further education or employment.

“Competition for university places is tougher than ever this year and we are therefore very pleased so many of our students have achieved the place of their choice."

See Thursday's Gazette and Faversham News for full report and picture special.