Teenagers across Maidstone, Malling and Weald are receiving their A-level results today after exams were cancelled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic.

Students have been given grades determined by their teachers, rather than sitting exams, with pupils only assessed on what they have been taught over past year during the crisis.

Last summer, the fiasco around grading led to thousands of A-level students having their results downgraded from school estimates by a controversial algorithm, before Ofqual announced a U-turn.

But this year, no algorithm will be used to moderate teachers’ grades.

Due to the way grades have been decided this year, an increase in top grades is predicted, with the competition for coveted university spots even more fierce.

The first results of the day come from Invicta Grammar School, in Huntsman Lane, where 27% of all grades were A* and 83% of all grades were B or higher this year.

A spokesman for the school said that almost a third of all students achieved A* and A grades in all subjects and nearly two thirds of students achieved a B or higher in their courses.

The spokesperson added: "Our teachers and staff worked extremely hard to implement a four-stage process in which all grades were discussed, reviewed and challenged by multiple members of staff and a grading panel.

"We are extremely proud of our students and the way they have overcome the challenges of Covid-19 with calmness, integrity and positivity."

Julie Derrick, head teacher, said: “2021 has presented us with challenges and tested our limits but Invicta as a community has approached it with resolve, and overcome it with creativity, courage and above all, a sense of community.

"Our Year 13 students have always approached school life with a can-do attitude and the set of A level grades is testament to the hard work of a cohort of fine young people who strives to be the best that they can be, and to the dedicated teachers who inspired them."

Students at Invicta Grammar School, who achieved a sweep of four A* grades are: Madeleine Brenton,May Bui, Sofia Byrne, Emily Dent, Caity Finn, Daisy Mallion, Hannah Rogers, Wangtang Yang.

The school held a farewell party for students at its new School of Science and Technology campus just up the road.

Sophie Gold is off to the University of Bath to study accounting and finance having achieved three A*s in biology, chemistry and maths.

Speaking at the farewell party, she said: "During the first lockdown it was a little bit of a challenge having to completely adjust because we had so much time off school but we had a lot of online learning where teachers were doing virtual lessons so I adapted quite well.

"I think I've worked just as hard as I would have done without the changes because of the amount of exams I've had to do."

"I don't know how my grades will compare to other people's because every school will have had different assessments.

Maria Bragin achieved an A* in maths, an A* in biology, an A in chemistry and an A* in her extended project qualification.

She said: "I'm so proud of myself and I'm so happy for all my friends because we've all got the grades we deserve.

"It has definitely been strange but we have made the best out of a bad situation."

Luke Stringer achieved an A* in Biology, an A chemistry and an A in French.

He said: "It was nerve-wracking with the teacher assessing grades and the uncertainty but opening the results this morning and seeing the grades I needed to get into university was the best feeling.

"We have been working hard but in a different way. This time it's been working hard for a long period of time because you didn't know which exams were being counted whereas in other years everything builds up to the final exams."

Luke is now going to Nottingham to study medicine.

Watch: Mark Tomkins, head teacher at Maidstone Grammar School, speaks about his school's results

At Maidstone Grammar School (MGS), 48% of grades were either A or A* and 78% were A*-B.

Some 41 students received three As or more and five students achieved four A*s.

Head teacher Mark Tomkins said: "We are delighted with the results. It represents the hard work of the staff and students in a very challenging and unprecedented year.

"I know there are some comments about whether the grades are inflated but these grades reflect the hard work of the staff and the students."

Chris Haywood is school caption at MGS and received three A*s.

He said: "The last year has definitely been tough, there has been loads of challenges but I think results day today is a credit to how hard our teachers have worked. We have been really lucky with the video calls they have been doing over lockdown."

Over at the Cornwallis Academy, in Linton, there was an overall pass rate of 98%, with a quarter of all grades at A*-A and approximately 50% of all grades at A*-B.

Tristen Crampton and Bridget Morgan-Jones are the head boy and girl at Cornwallis Academy.

They feel despite the disruption, they have worked just as hard as they would have done if they had external exams.

Tristen got an A in biology, and A in maths and and B in chemistry.

He said: "I'm ecstatic with that. I feel like before lockdown I was a very social learner, I would talk to my classmates a lot but I had to adapt to a new environment and the fact I couldn't talk to people as much.

"I think everyone has worked just as hard as we would have done had things been different, if not harder because of the circumstances."

He is now off to study biochemistry at King's College London.

Bridget achieved an A in extended project, A in biology, A in geography and a B in chemistry.

Bridget said: "I'm so over the moon with it, all the hard work has paid off.

"I feel we have missed out on mainly the social aspect and we haven't even been in school half the time.

"We haven't done external exams but we have done loads of mini tests and we have worked really hard with our classwork so we all deserve these grades just as much."

Bridget is now looking forward to studying law at Queen Mary University of London

Abigail Bentley from Coxheath achieved an A in sociology, a B in English literature, and a B in criminology.

She is off to Canterbury Christchurch University to study primary education which was her first choice.

Speaking of her success she said: "It's a lot better this year, especially as we have been able to do the exams in class to get the grades we have worked for.

"It's a lot better getting what we deserve rather than an algorithm like last year.

"We have had to do everything in such a short amount of time so I think we have worked harder than ever.

Mr Sutton, director of sixth form, said: “When the Year 13s returned after March, it was literally continuous assessments in order to make the fairest and most well rounded picture for the teachers.

"So they worked, I would argue, harder than they normally have to because the assessments have been so thick and fast.

"The policies we had in place I think worked and ensured fairness, so I don't think we could do any more than that."

He added: "This Year 13 cohort are not only incredibly able, but also incredibly resilient. What they have faced and subsequently overcome throughout the

past two years is simply unprecedented. To say we are proud of their achievements would be an

understatement.”

Valley Park School's students and parents are celebrating this morning, after 86% of pupils received grades at C and above, nearly half of which were at A*/A or equivalent.

The head teacher Margaret Hutchinson commended students for their "resilience and dedication" to their studies throughout the pandemic, saying: “Our students should be very proud of their achievements over the course of their sixth form studies, as they have dealt with the ongoing effects of the pandemic alongside their studies, with a very large number of their lessons conducted online over the last two years.

"Nevertheless, they have shown a great deal of independence and tenacity, and our thanks are also due to the many colleagues who taught and supported them throughout.”

Outstanding students included Pella Argiriov who received an A*, three As and an A for EPQ, Jess Tillett, who achieved an A*, two As and an A for EPQ. Top students were also Kezia Baxter and Jo Ross-Glower both received three As.

Vocational subjects at distinction or distinction* level counted for more than 50% of the vocational results, with the following students commended in particular: Jamie Butler and Harrison Smith, who both achieved three Dist*, as well as Bailey Barton, who achieved two Dist *s and a B.

All the students received their results online and did not need to go into school to collect their results.

In Weald, at Benenden, 83% of grades were A* or A – higher than last year’s 74 per cent.

Some 50% of all grades were A* and 64% of the year group achieved nothing less than an A.

Headmistress Samantha Price said: “The students have thoroughly deserved these excellent grades. We always knew this was a strong year group who were likely to perform very well and pupils achieved the grades we would have expected.

“Everybody should be very proud of their results and we must not let any controversy about this year’s results dilute the fact that these students have been able to achieve excellent grades against an extremely challenging backdrop.”

Mrs Price said the grading system at the independent school was extremely robust.

She said: “Our pupils went through a rigorous internal assessment process, which included judging each pupil on a selection of their coursework, class assessments and previous test performances in addition to sitting formal assessments in the spring and summer."

The school's top performer was Freya Ridgwell who earned four A* grades and an A.

This is an even more remarkable feat considering she had not seen her parents for 11 months – including the entirety of her final year at Benenden – due to restrictions on returning to Singapore where the family lives.

She remained in school during half terms and exeats and stayed with her UK guardian during other school holidays, including over Christmas.

Freya, 18, said: “It has been really difficult and I spent a lot of the holidays at school which is something I really didn’t think I was going to do. I spoke to my parents nearly every day through video calls but it was difficult not knowing how long it would last.

“I had so much fun at school and those of us who were in a similar position managed to support each other. The school put on really fun activities so it wasn’t too bad but it was hard not to see my parents or hug them.

“That’s been a real challenge because I didn’t know if I was going to get home this summer; I’m really glad to be home now.”

Eighteen other students achieved clean sweeps of A* grades across the board, with 16 of these leaving Benenden with four A Levels at A*.

Students at Benenden have secured university places Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Durham and Edinburgh.

Sutton Valence School said the last 18 months had been "an incredibly challenging time for our students." The school said no students had experienced so much disruption to their education since the Second World War, with the current Upper Sixth cohort having had a large proportion of their two year A-level courses affected, but the school said: "We are so impressed with how well our students adapted to these changes and we thank them for their hard work."

There had been some outstanding results, with Juliet De Banzie from Kingswood, achieving four A*s and one A, and with Molly Veasey achieving three A*s and one A.

Two students, Tarik Abed and Alexander Duckett, have gained university places to study medicine, while Crystal Chen gained a place at UCL to study mathematics and Philippa Dow gained a place at Durham to study Liberal Arts.

Miss De Banzie said: "It's been a strange two years, in school then out of school, and it's been really difficult to get any work experience or really plan out the future, but we've got here.

"So I'm off to take a gap year, working and hopefully travelling when Covid settles down a bit, before applying to Oxford to do English or law."

The school's new headmaster James Thomas said: "We are very pleased indeed with the results which our A-level students received today.

"It was in so many ways an extraordinary two years of sixth form for this group of impressive young people and they should be very proud of their achievements in trying circumstances.

"I enjoyed speaking with a number of them today about their plans for the future and hearing how much they appreciated their time here at SVS.

"The significant work and support from all the staff here at the school should also be noted as well as all the time and effort behind the scenes from parents.

"We wish this cohort every success in the future and look forward to keeping in contact with them.”

A number of schools, such as Oakwood Park Grammar School, have decided not to release a breakdown of their A-level results this year.

This comes after the government said it would not publish A-level results of individual schools this year, as happened in 2020.

Kevin Moody, head teacher, said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of 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.”

High achievers at the school include Sol Dubock, who received four A*s and will study computer science at Emmanuel College Cambridge.

Similarly, Sam Whitehead, who also got four A*s, will study computer science at the University of Bath.

Head girl, Kajal Knight and Louis Mickelwright-Taylor, both who received four A*s, will pursue their

love of politics at university. Kajal will be studying at The London School of Economics.

Bethany School, in Goudhurst, is also not publishing a breakdown of grades, but a spokesman for the school said that "a record number of pupils achieved top grades across the board."

Top achievers include Katy Bradley, from West Malling, who achieved A* grades in biology, chemistry, mathematics and further mathematics and is off to read medicine at the University of Cambridge.

Alexander Hill, from Marden, secured A* grades in art, business studies, design technology and English literature. He will study Architecture in Sheffield.

Ellie Russell, from Horsmonden, studied music, performing arts and photography, and will take up a place at The British and Irish

Modern Music Institute (BIMM). There she will read popular music performance and song writing.

Francie Healy, headmaster, says: “I am exceptionally proud of each and every Year 13 pupil. They have coped magnificently well with the challenges of the last 18 months and considering they have had to remote learn for two terms out of six, this set of results is nothing short of extraordinary.

"I would also like to pay tribute to all of their teachers who have provided outstanding education, both face to face and remotely."

Aylesford School is another which has not published its results today, but a spokesperson said the results show a "year on year" improvements in the past four.

Further, all students secured places at their first choice destinations with an increased number of students going on to apprenticeships and securing places at university.

Head teacher, Tanya Kelvie said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students and the great character they have shown, 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.”

Top achievers at the school include Declan Stamp, who received a Dist* in science and sport and an a grade in criminology. He intends to study law at university.

Joshua Dunster got a Dist* in science, grade 7’s in psychology and history and an A* is criminology. Joshua is going on to the University of Geenwich to study biomedical science

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School has also decided not to release their results this year.

In a statement, head teacher Linda Wybar said: "We are exceptionally proud of our pupils who have achieved excellent results in the most difficult of circumstances.

"The last two years of study have been enormously challenging, with two extended periods of remote learning and the uncertainties of the final assessment methods, not to mention the unsettling nature of the pandemic. They have worked incredibly hard and fully deserve the excellent grades they have attained.

"In addition, we would like to pay tribute to the fantastically dedicated and professional work of the staff during this time. The support they have given to the pupils has been superb, and their meticulous attention to detail in the moderating and grading process has been outstanding."

St Simon Stock did not publish its results, but says the majority of its students exceed their personal targets, and as a consequence most secured a place at university, on an apprenticeship or in employment.

Academy principal Jon Malone said: “Today we celebrate much more than the students’ academic success.

“The achievements of this cohort are remarkable in the context of the huge obstacles to their education that they have faced since they started their studies in September 2019, greater than any generation of students since World War Two.

“In spite of these challenges, our students have shown exceptional resilience and determination in the face of adversity, engaging independently with their studies online, and completing their courses, knowing that their summer examinations had been cancelled."

St Simon Stock pupils Harry Mason, Rosie Smith and Miriam Darby will each be studying law respectively at the Universities of Reading, Exeter and Bristol.

The school’s first cohort of students to study the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) are also celebrating today.

Dominika Maruszczak’s success has awarded her a place at the University of Durham to study anthropology.

Ross Wimble is going to study business and the environment at the University of Exeter.

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls said its students achieved some outstanding results this year, with six girls each achieving 3A* grades.

Head teacher Deborah Stanley said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and 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 Lenham School, students take either Level 3 Vocational or the International Baccalaureate diploma, instead of A-levels.

Notable high performers were Eloise Hughes with a 5HL in IB Diploma in visual arts, a 5HL in IB Diploma in film, a B in her reflective project and a Double Distinction in business.

She is off to Northampton University to read creative film, TV and digital media production.

Will Cullen obtained a 5HL IB Diploma in language and literature, a 5HL IB Diploma in biology, a B in his reflective project and a Distinction in BTEC sport. He is going to the University of Kent to read sport and exercise science.

The school's head teacher Chris Foreman said: "After an anxious wait in uncertain times we are delighted to be celebrating with our students who were rewarded with the grades they deserve following their hard work over the last two years.

Kent College Pembury has not released details of grades, but a spokesman said the students' "excellent results are in line with previous years."

Headmistress Julie Lodrick said: “Despite the immense pressure and extraordinary circumstances facing our sixth form students this year, we are very proud of their hard work and determination to perform at their very best.

"It is testament to the professionalism of our teaching staff that the grades awarded at Kent College were a true reflection of the ability and potential of our sixth form students, which have enabled them to secure their chosen university place.”

At The Hayesbrook School in Tonbridge, 50% of the Year 13 cohort will be continuing their studies at university.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are delighted with the Level 3 outcomes achieved by our Year 13 pupils this year, particularly in the midst of what has been challenging times for us all.

“Despite the turbulence around how course content was delivered, the outcomes exemplify the resilience and determination of our pupils.

“Their fortitude means that they go on to their universities or careers with both the examination results and life skills which will allow them to flourish and thrive.”

Standout grades were achieved by a number of pupils including Spenser

Osbourne who earned three As in geography, English literature and history.

Dan Smith achieved two As in geography and maths, and a Distinction in business studies.

Phil Declemy has three Distinction*s in business, computing and media and Ellie

Nikhwai achieved a double Distinction* in sport and a Distinction in business.

The Year 13 pupils at Radnor House Sevenoaks have achieved the best results in the school’s history.

There was 67% A* to A, and 87% A* to B at A-level and 100% A* to C in the Extended Project (80% A*-A).

Xanthe deserves a special mention for achieving A* grades in all subjects and EPQ, which sees her taking a place at St Peter’s College, University of Oxford next year.

Angel also achieved A* grades in all of her subjects and EPQ and will be studying at the University of Exeter.

Stay with us as we publish more results from schools in Maidstone, Malling and the Weald.

News from our universities, local primary and secondary schools including Ofsted inspections and league tables can be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Weald

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

Read more: All the latest news from Malling