As pupils prepare to receive their A-level results today, a momentous occasion that will shape their futures, it’s a fitting time to look back at those who were collecting their results this time 20 years ago.
We went through our archives to find our pictures of the day. The young people caught on camera will now be in their late 30s.
A group of pupils celebrating after receiving their A-level results at the Thomas Aveling School in Rochester in 2004. Picture: Gavin Crayford
As the class of 2024 braces themselves, the echoes of 2004 are clear. Despite the challenges that each generation faces, the anticipation, hopes and dreams tied to A-level results day remain a shared experience.
Can you spot yourself or anyone you know in our gallery of the class of 2004?
Canterbury College students Chloe Chandler, 18, and Katie Coleman, 18, both celebrated their A-level results in 2004Maidstone Grammar School pupils Scott Ellison, 18 and Toby Webb, 18, calling loved ones after their A-level success. Picture: John WardleyQueen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Faversham, pupils Nicola Walton, 18, Simon Denning, 17 and Fred Grillet, 17, were beaming after collecting their A-level resultsPupils at Gravesend Grammar School for Boys waiting anxiously to receive their grades in 2004Robert Stewart, 18, from Sandwich Technology School, and head boy Chris Kirk, 17, went on to study the same course at Portsmouth UniversityMaidstone Grammar School pupils getting their A-Level results in 2004. Picture: John WardleyPupils at The Abbey School in Faversham Amanda Lay, 18, Melanie King, 18, and Claire Nicholls, 18, (left to right) with their A-level resultsA large group of pupils at the Ashford Norton Knatchbull School revelled at their results. Picture: Dave Downey(Left to right) Harriet Mayhew, Rianne Wells Kayhryn Aves, Nicola Sleap, Catherine Jeffrey and Bethany Lee at Highworth Grammar School in Ashford 20 years ago. Picture: Dave DowneyThe class of 2004 at Westlands School in Sittingbourne celebrate with the new headteacher at the time, Jon Whitcombe, and the director of sixth form Mrs McGowan. Picture: Mike SmithThese pupils at Clarendon House Grammar School in Ramsgate all achieved three or more A-grade results in 2004. Picture: Jane BennettA proud moment for those at Dartford Grammar School on A-Level exam results day. Picture: Barry Goodwin.Seven smiling Herne Bay High School sixth form students pictured in 2004Pupils Hannah Goodearl, Laura Hards, Kayleigh Boatman and Michael Hopkins (left to right) at Whitstable Community College were delighted with their good A-level resultsKern Hudson attained outstanding results in 2004 and said he hoped to train as an army officer following his degreePaddock Wood, Tonbridge, pupils Jennifer Saunders, Laura Cutajar, James Marsh and Rebecca Turner (left to right) opening their A-level results. Picture: Matthew Walker18-year-old’s Fiona Burgess (left) and Amy Roberts (right) cheerfully reading their A-level results at Highsted School in Sittingbourne. Picture: Mike SmithJubilant A-Level students at Langley Park School for Girls Sixth Form, Bromley. Picture: Matthew ReadingProud headmaster Paul Henderson with pupils at Eltham College, Bromley, in 2004. Picture: Matthew ReadingA level results day at Gravesend Grammar School for Boys featuring Sahir Kara, Satvinder Singh Sandu, James Rolls and Gurdeep Singh Mann (left to right). Picture: Richard EatonMarc Dockrell (left) and Stuart Shulver (right) compare their A-level results at St. George's School in Gravesend. Picture: Richard EatonFormer Dover pupil Charlie Stow received an A grade in physical education and trained some of the younger gymnasts at Dover Gym Club. Picture: Graham TutthillHeadteacher at Sir Roger Manwood School in Sandwich, Chris Morgan, with a group of successful pupils in 2004. Picture: Gerry WhittakerMark Cummings, who was a pupil at Archers Court in Dover, received two A-grades in maths and scored two 100% marks on his exams. Picture: Mary GrahamFormer pupils at the Dover Grammar School for boys (left to right) Simon Bishop, Tom Munford, James Hutchinson and James Rowson celebrating with headteacher Mrs Sally Lees. Picture: Gerry WhittakerTracey Hollands (left) and Nicole Robinson (right) hugging on results day at Highsted School, Sittingbourne. Picture: Mike Smith
Good luck to everyone in the class of 2024 collecting their results today!