by Angela Cole, Chris Hunter and Anna White

After two years of hard work, hundreds of A level students proved they were all stars yesterday, when they celebrated their results.

The number of A* grades went up yet again, as schools and colleges across Maidstone and west Kent marked another bumper crop of top grades.

At Maidstone Grammar School in Barton Road, Maidstone, students notched up the school’s best results since 2008 – and the best in its history, with more than 60% getting A* to B grades and more than one in eight grades being an A*.

Top performers were Sam Bonney, Philip Burgess and Joshua Mustill, who al gained four A* grades. Deputy headteacher, Paul Smith, said: "These are excellent results showing improvement on recent years. They reflect very well on the hard work and commitment of the students to achieve and of their teachers to support and guide their learning."

At Oakwood Park Grammar School more than 60% of all grades were A*, A and B. A number of students achieved all A* or A grades, including Luke White; Peter Rodgers; James Jeary; Alvin Panis; Vicky Potts; Lewis Parkes; Daniel Collins and Aidan Murch.

Headteacher Kevin Moody said: "These are wonderful results for our students and they reflect their hard work and dedication as well as their teachers’ commitment and the support of their families."

At St Simon Stock Catholic School, 22% achieved A* or A grades and there was a 100% pass rate. Two students confirmed places at Oxford University – Abigail Motley and Daniel Heasman. Headteacher Brendan Wall said: "I am very pleased at the achievement of all our students who have worked extremely hard with our dedicated staff to produce such a very good set of results. As a comprehensive school which admits the full range of ability into the sixth form, it is tremendous to see students doing so well. More important, I am proud that these students are leaving us as rounded individuals."

At Valley Park School in Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, 51% of grades were A or A* – a 13 % increase on last year’s figure and the best result in the school’s history. The 82% pass rate at A*-C was another school record. Notable high performers were Hayley Barrie, Lucy Smith and Josh Honey (two A* and two A grades. Headteacher Vic Ashdown said: "This is another fantastic set of results. I am delighted for our students and their families."

Pupils at Sutton Valence School notched up 30% A* and A grades and 63% gained A*, A and B grades. Headteacher Bruce Grindlay said: "This is a fantastic set of results for a deserving cohort of bright young people who epitomise the school’s commitment to work ethic and our focus on breadth of achievement and personal development."

The 91 MidKent College students at its Maidstone campus achieved an overall 96% pass rate, which was a 5% improvement on 2010/11.

Results were improved for the third successive year at Swadelands School, in Lenham, with notable successes including Michael Shrimpton and Jordan Croucher. Sixth form director James Coare said: "I am very proud of the student’s achievement, they deserve their success."

At Cornwallis Academy in Hubbards Lane, Linton, 20% of grades were A* and A with 66% achieving A*-C grades. Academy principal David Simons said: "More students than ever before will be going onto further education and this is testament to the hard work and dedication that both the students and staff have put into making this year so successful."

School principal Julia Campbell said: “This is a very pleasing set of results with an impressive number of passes at A and A*. We are delighted for the students who have worked so hard and I am grateful to our staff for all of their valuable support.”
Initial figures showed 95% of students gained two or more A level passes and 80% three or more. Among the notable successes was Sam Humphries who gained a place at Canterbury Christ Church.
At Holmesdale Technology College in Snodland there was a 98% pass rate overall, which was a 4% increase on last year.
At Mascalls School in Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, there was a pass rate of 98%. Headteacher Stuart Reeves said he attributed the success to the partnership between pupils, supportive parents, governors and staff.
At Aylesford Sports College, in Teapot Lane, Aylesford, the sixth form recorded its best result ever, with Toni-Marie Langham and Hannah Winter both achieving five A* grades.
Headteacher of Maidstone Grammar School for Girls in Buckland Road, Mary Smith, said: “We have had fabulous A level results. Our students have achieved outstanding grades and we wish them all the very, very best as they start out at university. We are so proud of them all.”

For lots more pictures and reaction, see this week's Kent Messenger, on sale tomorrow.