Teenagers in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh received their A Level results today after what has been a 'challenging' year.

It was a very different results day compared to previous years, with most schools remaining closed and students having their grades emailed to them instead.

Gone were the celebratory hugs with friends and smiles as students opened their envelopes surrounded by family and teachers.

But despite the Covid cloud hanging over the day, there was still joy to be had for the students.

Here we take a look at how each of the district's classes of 2020 did.

Brockhill Park Performing Arts College

At Hythe's Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, 90% of students achieved two or more passes at level 3 and 63% achieved three or more passes.

In addition, 44% achieved A*-C grades.

Sachin Mysorekar obtained an A in further mathematics and Bs in mathematics, chemistry and biology.

Daniel Brunger obtained an A* in mathematics, a B in physics and distinction* in business studies.

Holly Herwin achieved an A in English literature, B in sociology, C in politics and A* in extended project.

Those on the animal care course achieved particularly high grades - with all students achieving double distinctions.

Ryan Jefferies obtained Bs in biology, English literature and history and George Everett-Button obtained distinction* in music, and Ben Brown achieved a double distinction in dance.

All results were emailed to students, with the school's gates remaining closed.

Charles Joseph, senior vice principal, said: "Brockhill is again celebrating strong A level results in what has been to say the least a challenging year for students and their families.

"We pause to reflect on just what this passage means for this year group at this time in the history of our country and school, as well as celebrate the individual successes and triumphs of our students.

"Some of our students have achieved exceptional results.

"We are proud of all our year 13 students of whom very many are going on to their chosen destinations, studying a wide variety of courses at different universities.

"We would like to wish them well for the future and thank them for their hard work and commitment during their time at this school.

"Families and teachers play a crucial role in the success of this school.

"Therefore, the Principal Mrs Schwartz and I would like to thank our parents for their support and our teachers for their unstinting dedication to our students."

Marsh Academy

Despite not being able to sit exams and the last announcement about how results would be awarded, students at the Marsh Academy still achieved as highly as last year.

A number of students achieved straight A/A* grades at A Level or straight distinction* grades in vocational courses, including Chloe Ashdown who secured A grades in psychology and sociology and an A* in English Literature.

Chloe is now moving on to read English at the University of Sussex.

Erin Blackwell Williams, who achieved straight A grades in criminology, sociology and photography, was also happy with her results.

She is now planning to return to the academy next year to study even more A levels as she has a real passion for learning and is determined to achieve just as well next year.

Jude Harding achieved three distinction* in the VTCT Sport qualification to secure a place at University Campus of Football Business to study Football business and media.

Jude said: "I am very happy indeed. I want to thank all those who have supported me to get me here and I cannot wait to start the next chapter."

Mazelli Parker was delighted with her results - A* in art, A* in photography and an A in drama.

She now plans to study fine art at university.

"I am lost for words," she said. "It’s amazing...awesome. I can’t wait to go to university in Oxford.”

Fenton Haylett achieved three Distinction* in VCTC Sport and will be returning next year to complete further studies.

He said: "I am so pleased that the hard work has paid off.

"It can be stressful, but I listened to the advice I was given and achieved well."

Marsh Academy principal Shaun Simmons said: "This group of Year 13 students have had the most challenging final year.

"They were significantly affected by events over the past months, as we all were, but also had to contend with missing large sections of their A Level and Vocational courses with no opportunity to sit exams and take control of their future.

"Coming in to school to collect results, with such uncertainty, would have been difficult for many, but I am delighted with the resilience they have shown and that any tears we had were of joy, though sadly no celebratory hugs this year.

"There are some excellent results and while examinations were not sat, I can confidently say that the good results were well deserved.

"We are working with a very small number of students where we do not feel the results they received were appropriate, but at the time of writing this, the vast majority of students who applied to university got into their first choice. We are proud of them all.”

Folkestone Academy

Educators at the Folkestone Academy say their Year 13 students "have again achieved success" in their A level and BTEC qualifications despite the unusual circumstances this year.

Sixty students are set to head to university - up 13% on 2019-, with confirmed places at universities including Bristol, King’s College London and Surrey.

In academic A level subjects, the Academy has seen continued improvement on last year with students jumping on average over a third of a grade to above average levels in terms of progress.

The school increased its A*-B rate by 15% and its A*-C rate by 13%.

A spokesman said: "We are exceedingly proud of these increased achievements despite this year's system of calculated results and in particular we would like to congratulate English literature, graphics, photography and French students who recorded grades above national levels.

"Our vocational subjects continue to go from strength to strength at Post 16. Students again this year have shown significant increases on previous years results and are now progressing above national progress levels, with increases of 15% in our distinction and distinction* grades and a 26% increase at merit or higher.

"Students continue to progress to a wide range of universities on courses that reflect their passions and will also secure future employment."

Star performers include Ann-Marie Hall, who achieved an A* in art and design, double distinction* in drama and an A in fine art, and Ana Maria Marquez who got an A in English literature, B in mathematics, C in chemistry and a distinction in business.

Grace Page also did well and got a distinction* in business, a B in psychology and a C in mathematics.

Bobbie Belsey got a distinction in business, B in French and C in maths, while Jack Perry received a distinction in digital film and video production, B in graphics and a B in fine art.

Kurt Santos got a distinction* in I.T, a distinction in business and a D in mathematics, Bethany Scally got a distinction in childcare, distinction in health and social care, a B in English lerature and a B in history.

Steve Shaw, head of school said: "Congratulations to our Year 13 cohort who have performed so well in their Sixth Form studies.

"We are exceptionally pleased for this cohort who have worked so hard the last two years.

"They are now in an excellent position to take the next steps and we are incredibly proud of them and wish them well as they embark on the next exciting chapters of their lives."

More results to come

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