Pupils scored the “best results ever” in this year’s A Level results, one headteacher has said.

Students at Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone, bagged 68 per cent of grades between A*- B, up six per on last year.

Headteacher Scott Norman welcomed the news and praised hardworking pupils.

He said: “Our post 16 outcomes this year are our best ever and to have achieved this in a year when when and students found themselves needing to adapt to the changes made to A Level study is highly impressive.

“The hard work and dedication of our staff and students never ceases to amaze me.”

It comes after the Government introduced a raft of ‘updated’ subjects ranging from ancient history to philosophy and statistics.

Under the new measures, students face less coursework and all exams at the end of Year-13, with AS-levels not contributing to the overall grade.

Smiles abounded at the Cheriton Road school after pupils opened their brown envelopes following a three month wait for their grade.

Joseph Horsnell, 18, swept up with 3As and 1A*, now he’s off to study International Relations at the University of St Andrews.

He said: “Opening the envelope was a pleasant surprise, it’s nice to see all of my work coming to fruition.

“I’m going to St Andrews.

“I’m really interested in politics, especially with Brexit on the horizon and Donald Trump, I think it will be interesting to study something that is fluid.”

Other notables students include Connor Brown and Luke Thorpe achieving 6 As and Kenneth Gainsford, deputy head boy, scoring 1 A* 2 As and a B.

For those who didn’t do as well as they hoped and were unable to secure their place at their chosen university, the clearing system helps students find late or alternative places.

Courses with places still available are listed on the UCAS website and students can apply to individual universities for one of these places.

Promptness and persistence are important. Many places on popular courses are snapped up quickly.