Students enjoyed A level success despite the disruption from the pandemic for the second academic year.

Grades were this time based on assessments such as on coursework rather than exams as coronavirus lockdown restrictions continued until the end of the summer term.

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, in Dover saw an increase in A* and A grades, BTEC with an average of Distinction, and some 66% gaining A*- B results.

Most students are now going to university, having gained their first-choice place.

Several others will begin military careers, while another group has chosen engineering apprenticeships with major companies such as Amazon.

Outstanding success stories included three students who got four A* grades each.

Ruth Adewole got them in in English literature, French, history and EPQ; and will now study law at Cambridge.

Guido Rowe gained them in geography, history, religious studies and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification, a form of dissertation) and will now read politics and history at the London School of Economics.

Sebastian Brown earned his A*s in chemistry, maths, physics and EPQ and will read economics and finance at University College London.

Principal Alex Foreman said: “As England’s only state full boarding school, we utilise our

unique situation to protect students from both the virus and loss of learning.

"In addition, all our students are provided with laptops which enabled online learning from April 2020 to cover any enforced closures.

"During these unprecedented times, both staff and students have risen to the challenge and performed with great resilience and integrity to further improve our sixth form academic excellence."

At Astor Secondary School in Dover 32% of candidates got grades A* to B, 66% gained A* to C and a total 91% passed three or more A levels.

Head teacher Lee Kane said: "This year, with all the uncertainty and continued impact of the virus and closures. the pupils have done exceptionally well.

"The resilience, adaptability and commitment shown by them has brought just rewards to them all.

"The strong relationships between staff and pupils meant that the journey through the uncertainty was made easier and the support both ways made the outcomes more rewarding."

Goodwin Academy, in Hamilton Road, Deal, particularly saw success in applied science, business and public services where more than 80% of students achieved Distinctions or better.

Individual successes included Emily Vallance who achieved Distinction*s in public services and business plus applied psychology. she now has a place to study psychology at Greenwich University.

She said: “I can’t believe it, after such a turbulent year these results are better than I could have expected. I worked so hard and knowing that it has paid off, I am really excited about my future.”

Jake Larkins got Distinction*s in public services and business and is currently applying for an apprenticeship.

Ellie Meindl who achieved Distinction*s in applied science and sport and has secured an apprenticeship with UK Gymnastics. She will train to become a coach and then will apply to university to study sport science.

Simon Smith, Principal at Goodwin Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students as they receive their grades today. They have worked so hard over the last two years and taken all the challenges of the pandemic in their stride."

Sandwich Technology School continued its trend of year on year improvements.

Tracey Savage, Headteacher, said “I am so proud of the students who have, across their two-year course, had to contend with disruption and uncertainty, yet have shown grit, determination and hard work to triumph with a set of A Level results that are simply superb.”

Izzy Woodland achieved two A*s, in English literature and film studies, a Distinction* in performing arts and an A in history. She is is going to study English at the University of Sussex.

Ruby Thomas achieved three A*s in biology, psychology and criminology and is going to study psychology and cognitive neuroscience at Nottingham University.

Olivia Collingwood achieved an A* in biology and three further A grades in physics, psychology and criminology and will study law and criminology at the University of Kent.

At Dover College 53.2% of results were graded at A* or A, also including in BTEC.

This was well above the national average of 44.8%, with a 100% pass rate achieved.

A total79% of all results were at B or above. The most commonly awarded grade to Dover College pupils was A.

A record number of BTEC results were at Distinction level.

Headmaster, Simon Fisher, commented:"This year’s upper sixth leavers have an enormous amount of which to be proud. They have shown extraordinary resilience during their disrupted two years of sixth form but have been justly rewarded in their results today.”

Top performers included Edward Aylward with A*AAB, Lucas Zheng with A*A*A and Chang Jin with AAA.

University destinations in September include Cambridge, University College London, Warwick, Leeds and Surrey.

Dover Grammar School for Boys had number of pupils getting four A* grades.

Phil Horstrup, head teacher, said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and incredible achievements of all our students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year.

" Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

At Dover Grammar School for Girls . 48% of A Level students achieved A/ A* grades with 74% achieving A*/B grades.

Head prefect Grace Leaman now has a place at Cambridge University to read law, having gained three A* grades and an additional A in AS psychology. She is now one of a number of girls from the school now going to university.

Robert Benson, Headteacher, commented: "Students have balanced the move from face-to-face teaching to online learning, and back again, with calm positivity."

Dover Christ Church Academy in Whitfield saw a 100% pass rate across both vocational and academic qualifications.

All students who applied for a university place have been accepted by their first choice with 39% starting their degrees this September and a further 11% starting in 2022.

Leah Childs' exam success means she will now attend Kent University to study sports therapy while Bethany Kennett will attend LMA London to study digital film and television.

More schools' results will be added as they come in.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover