Just a week after A-level students collected their results, it's now time for GCSEs.

Pupils in Maidstone, Malling and the Weald will be heading into school this morning to find out how they did in their exams.

But it's not just GCSE results which are out today - those who chose BTEC options will also be picking up that important envelope.

These young people will then begin a new chapter of their lives, either at sixth form, college or on a work training scheme.

Numbered grading system

More GCSE subjects are being graded using the number system this year, with 9 being the top score and 1 the lowest.

This has been phased in since 2017 to replace the previous A* to G grades.

Starting with English and maths, the new number system is now being used for almost all GCSE subjects.

We've had reporters at New Line Learning Academy, Cornwallis Academy, Maplesden Noakes and St Simon Stock, capturing all the emotion from this morning.

Here is how our schools around the area have got on this year.

Aylesford School - Sports College

The school celebrated its best ever GCSE results with more than half of students achieving a pass in both English and maths. Some 74% of students got at least a grade 4 in English and 60% of students achieved at least a grade 4 in maths.

There was also an increased number of pupils who achieved grades 7-9 in subjects such as French, history, English, maths and RE, while there was a 100% pass rate in vocational BTEC subjects and Distinction* grades in business and sport.

One of the top performers was Josh Dunster, who passed all his exams with grades between 5 and 9, including an 8 in RE and a 9 in history.

Head teacher Tanya Kelvie said: “Our results are a true reflection of the dedication, commitment and hard work of our staff, our parents and most importantly our students. Aylesford is one of the most improved schools in Kent and is on an incredible journey where academic achievement and developing good character and a love of education are at the heart of everything we do.

“We are extremely proud of our achievements and of all of our students who have collected examination results this year and wish them every success in their future.”

Cornwallis Academy

This year saw a record number of top grades with 10% being grades 8 or 9 and 63% of all grades achieved being 4 or above.

More than 60% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths, which is a considerable 10% increase on last year’s results, while individually, 82% of students were awarded a grade 4 or above in English and 67% achieved a grade 4 or above in mathematics.

Headteacher Mrs Linney-Drouet said: “I am extremely proud of all our students and staff for their hard work and dedication”

Hannah Lacey, 16, from Staplehurst, achieved two 9s, one in English literature and one in English language, three 8s in combine science and art, a 6 in maths and a 6 in RE.

She said: “I cannot believe it at all. I put so much hard work into it and there were a lot of sleepless nights. I didn’t expect it at all, I was expecting the worse.”

She is heading to UCA in Canterbury to study art.

Millie Steere, 16, from Maidstone achieved two 8s in English Literature and English Language, three 7s in physics, chemistry and biology, a 6 in history, two 5s in maths and RE, a 4 in Spanish and a Merit in computing and dance.

She said: “ I am very happy, I wasn’t really expecting it. It wasn’t very real. I am going to go and celebrate with my friends.”

She is staying at Cornwallis Sixth Form to study English, history and biology.

Tristan Crampton, 16, from Maidstone, was awarded a 9 in maths, an 8 in biology, a 7 in chemistry, two 6s in physics and geography, two 5s in art and English Language, two 4s in English literature and RE and a distinction in creative media.

He said: “It is surreal I was not really expecting it at all. I worked very hard for these grades. I am going out for dinner with the family to celebrate.”

He is staying at Cornwallis Sixth form to study biology, chemistry and maths.

Bridget Morgan-Jones, 16, from Maidstone bagged herself three 8s in combined science and English lit, four 7s in maths, geography, French and English Language, a 6 in RE and two distinction* in business and health and fitness.

She said: “It felt really good opening the envelope. I wasn’t expecting it but I did my best. It was hard work but I think A-levels will be much harder.”

She is staying at Cornwallis Sixth Form to study biology, chemistry and geography.

Patrycia Magda, 16, from Maidstone achieved a 9 in English language, three 8s in maths, geography and English literature, three 7s in biology, chemistry and Spanish, three 6s in art, physics and RE and a distinction* in business.

She is staying on at Cornwallis Sixth Form to study English literature, geography and psychology.

She said: “It was really good, I was proud of my English grades. I wasn’t expecting to do this well. I was so nervous.”

Keya Markham, 16, from Maidstone achieved a 9 in maths, three 8s in English language, media and history, four 7s in geography, RE and combined science, a 6 in Maths and a distinction in business.

Keya suffers with anxiety and had not been at school in the lead up to her exams. She said: "I made my mum open them because I was so nervous. I was really stressed and I was shaking. I have excitement nerves now that I know what I have got. I suffer with anxiety so I was revising every day and I wasn’t at school.

“It was easier at home because I could focus better without everyone else around me stressing. The school have helped me loads and that is part of the reason I am staying on for sixth form.”

She is staying at Cornwallis Sixth Form to study English literature, sociology and history.

Sofia Byrne, 16, from Maidstone got seven 9s in maths, biology, chemistry, physics, Spanish, English language and English literature, three 8s in RE, geography and art, one A* in Portugese and a merit in creative media.

She is off to Invicta Sixth Form to study biology, physics, maths and psychology. She hopes to one day be a research scientist or an astrophysicist.

She said: “ I couldn’t stop shaking it was surreal. I didn’t think would get these grades, I was hoping but I wasn’t expecting it. I was taken aback once I opened them. I was revising everyday, all day and it was a lot of stress.”

Cranbrook School

An impressive 97% of grades achieved by Cranbrook’s year 11 students were at grades 4-9. Headmaster John Weeds said: “These results are a credit both to our students and our teachers to get on top of new style GCSEs.

“The new examinations are clearly more challenging and we have shown that our students and staff are responding well to that challenge. We are particularly proud of the 10 students who achieved 10 grades 7-9 and student Joe Leckie who gained nine grade 9s.”

The Hayesbrook School, Tonbridge

More than a third of subject entries have been awarded grades between 9 and 5, with significantly increased achievement in the subjects of English, English Literature, business studies, BTEC sport, GCSE art.

Almost a quarter of students have achieved five of the highest grades including strong passes in English and maths, while the percentage of grades 9 and 8 increasing again, along with 63% of grades achieved in business and sport given Distinction/*.

Executive principal, Daniel Hatley said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s year 11 students. Their commitment, focus and the support of their families, has paid off. We are in the second year of new ‘tougher’ courses but the first year where all GCSE subjects have moved to the ‘reformed’ model of assessment.

“Many students will have sat in excess of 25 papers all of which require them to demonstrate even greater competence and an increased depth of understanding, than in previous years, which makes their achievements and the academy’s overall performance, even more impressive. It is a pleasure to share their success and to be able to welcome so many into our sixth form next year.”

Star performers were Charles King, Cijay Vickerman, Daniel Smith, Connahr Matthews, Alfie Goater, Alex Silk and Spencer Osbourne, each of whom achieved at least five results at grade 7/Merit or higher.

Head of school Collette Nelson added: “Congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils, hard work and dedication have resulted in grades to be proud of. These results will open new doors and opportunities and we wish all our young men every success in their Post 16 studies and their future at the university or career of their choice.”

Hillview School for Girls

This year saw 111 students (64%) achieving the top grades in at least one of their subjects, with 245 7+ grades being achieved.

Among the top performers were Verity Broad with one 9, five 8s, three 7s and Distinction*, Poppy Cooke with two 8s, two 7s, one Distinction, one 6, three 5s and one 4, Molly Crocombe with one 8, three 7s, one Distinction, one 6, four 5s, Alexandra Diamond with two 8s, three 7s, two 6s, three 5s, Violent Fanthome-Hodgeson with two 8s, two 7s, five 6s, one 5, Sufia Jafri with four 9s, three 8s, two 7s, one 6, Chloe Rice with Distinction*, one 8, four 7s, two 6s, two 5s, Caitlin Richards with one 8, one A*, five 7s, one 6, three 5s, one 4, Phoebe Salter with one 9, one Distinction*, three 7s, four 6s, one 5 and Alice Watts with two 9s, three 7s, three 5s and a 4.

Head teacher Hilary Burkett said: “Following the success in last week’s A-levels it’s wonderful to get such a strong set of results again for our year 11 students. These outcomes have seen so many students recognised for their exceptional talents across the breadth of subjects. I’d like to thank all the staff and parents for their ongoing dedication in supporting our students to achieve success”.

Holmesdale School

Particularly noteworthy this year were the number of students getting a 5+ in English which rose by 12%, and also in triple science (biology, chemistry and physics) in which the number of students achieving 4+ in all three improved by 48%.

Among the many students that did particularly well across the boards were Jamie Hordon (8s in biology, chemistry and physics and A* in engineering), Ellie Hearn (7s in English, chemistry), Jacqueline McLaughlin (8s in biology and chemistry, 8 in maths) and Chloe Damerum (8s in maths and chemistry and 7 in physics) and Joseph Shepheard (8s in biology and chemistry and 7s in geography and physics).

Head teacher Nicki Hodges said: “We are delighted for the students and the staff. It has really been a team effort over the last two years to improve the results. The school has had to overcome some significant obstacles in the past and this proves that their hard work has paid off. The students should be very proud of themselves."

Invicta Grammar School

Head teacher Julie Derrick said: “We are exceptionally proud of our students and staff. The examination results are testament to their dedication and commitment in a time when we have a great deal of changes in educational, with moving grade boundaries and substantially more rigour in the content of all subjects.

“Putting these results together with our excellent A-level results makes Invicta the number one choice of secondary school in Maidstone.”

This year 98.5% of Year 11 students achieved the benchmark of five grades 4 to 9 including England and maths. Across the board, 94 achieved eight of more 9-7 grades, 138 got five or more in that bracket, 17 got 10 grades of 8, 9 or A*, 28 got nine grades of 8, 9 or A* and 42 got eight such grades.

Among the high achievers were Maria Bragin, Emily Dent, Diana Harding, Amber Mclean, Lili Morson, Libby Osborne, Madeleine Brenton, Charley Fife, Caity Finn, Aayusha Guring, Spreha Jha, Emma Lucas, Issy Rankine, Hannah Rodgers, Rebecca Roodt, Oluwsolape Tunde-Dauda and Charlotte Young.

Kent College Pembury

With almost a quarter of girls achieving a grade 8 or above across all subjects, Kent College Pembury is celebrating its best ever set of results. More than 60% of grades awarded were 9-7 with 21% at the highest grade available.

Furthermore, nearly 70% of girls were awarded grades 9 or 8 in English Literature and more than half of grades in history, geography and languages were in the top two brackets.

Headmistress Julie Lodrick said: “I am delighted that the girls have secured such an excellent set of results across the board, which reflects their hard work and determination.

“There are some inspiring individual stories behind the grades, and their teachers and I are extremely proud of all they have achieved.”

The Judd School

More than half of all entries at the Judd School were graded A*, 8 or 9 for a sixth year in succession.

The new GCSEs continue to pose their additional challenge but Judd students are meeting that challenge with aplomb.

Special mention must go to Joe Barney, Theo Briscoe, Robert Gregson, James Lester, Mungo Mangat and Alexander Robson who managed to achieve straight 9s in all their subjects. A further seven students (Alex Campion, Alexander Colesmith, Tom Dixon, George Fitzgerald, Freddie Hand, Harrison Moore and John Mulford) achieved the equivalent of the old straight A*s with 8, 9 or A* in all their subjects.

In addition to those names above, Laurie Auld and Harry Rasmussen will also achieve a coveted place on our honours board with 10 top grades in their exams. Doubtless, more names will follow when marking injustices are corrected.

Headmaster, Jon Wood, said: “We knew this year group were a strong group, so it is wonderful to see their hard work pay off – together with support from teachers, support staff and parents alike – they have exceeded our expectations. To again achieve more than half our results at 8, 9 or A*, an increase on last year’s performance, is a great success.

“The staff and governors are extremely proud of our students’ performance. We look forward to seeing how they develop through the sixth form and I am sure they will impress us further.”

The Lenham School

This year saw 54% of students gaining a pass in both English and maths - a three point increase on the comparable figure from last year in a continuing three-year rising trend.

Notable high achievers include John Rangel, Charlotte Tyrrell, William Sadler, and Rhianna Schoemaecker-Knell who all gained at least five grades 7 or above including an impressive number of grade 9 passes.

Head teacher Chris Foreman said: “This is the third successive year that we have seen an increase in the number of students gaining a pass in both English and maths. A pass rate of 54% represents significant achievement for our students and their families.

“We have also seen an increase in the number of top grades being achieved by our students this year. Congratulations to our students and we wish them well with their futures.”

Maidstone Grammar School

It was another year of improved GCSE results at MGS, with 44% of all subject entries graded 7 to 9, up 7% on 2018. Some 99% of students gained five 9-4 grades, more than 50% of students achieved five or more 7 to 9 grades, and more than one-third of students achieved eight or more 7 to 9 grades. Additionally, more than a quarter of students achieved five or more 8/9 grades.

Headmaster Mark Tomkins said: “The school is delighted that the students have performed well. This gives them a solid foundation on which to build in their future studies. We are immensely proud of the achievements of Year 11 which is a result of a combination of hard work by the students and dedicated teaching by staff, particularly at a time with changes to the assessment arrangements and curriculum specifications.”

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

At MGGS 99% of all students gained five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths. Some 56% achieved five or more at grades 7 to 9 (equivalent to the old A* to A). In total 79% of all grades awarded were grade 6 to 9 (B to A*).

Some 56% of all students at MGGS achieved five or more 9-7 grades, with 37 students achieving 10 or more 9-7 grades. Furthermore, 14% of grades on the new specifications were grade 9.

Among the top performers were Blessing Verrall with 11 grade 9s, Angharad Gilmore with 10 grade 9s, one grade 8 and an A in astronomy, Connie Lamplugh with 10 grade 9s and a grade 8, Kajal Knight with 10 grade 9s and a grade 7.

Twin sisters Eleanor and Madeline Ray also gained an incredible total of 20 grade 9 and two grade 8s between them.

Head teacher Deborah Stanley said: “We are extremely pleased to be celebrating the fantastic achievements of our Year 11 students today. Our girls have risen to the increased challenge of the GCSE specifications and have been very successful. We are very proud of all of their individual achievements and look forward to the next stage of their education at MGGS sixth form.”

The Maplesden Noakes School

Head teacher Richard Owen said he was “really, really pleased” with the results. He said: “The students work very hard here, as do the staff, and it’s fantastic to see the culmination of all that very hard work.

“We’ve had some particularly fantastic results with students achieving very high grades, 8s and 9s in some subjects, and that for a school that is a high school in Kent, in a grammar school based system is amazing.

“Everything we do at Maplesden is about not having that pre-conceived idea that students can only achieve in a certain way, all students can do their very, very best and that’s been proved again this year.”

The school has also had good BTEC results. Mr Owen said: “Despite the concern there has been nationally about changes to BTEC grades, our BTEC results have also been some of our best, achieving grades that are well above national averages from previous years.

“That’s absolutely fantastic, it shows that despite the various controversies that have occurred over the years in the exam system, we’re proving that we’re consistent in providing the high standards that have allowed us to weather the storm.”

A total of 176 students sat their GCSEs, of which 61% got grade 4 or above in English, and 64% had grade 4 or above in maths.

Among the top performers, were Syndey Mutter, who achieved four grade 8s among her nine results; Maria Belfrage who had a 9 and an 8 in science, among her other nine subjects, and Zoe Hunter who also took a 90 and 8 in science. Ben Scullion took three grade 7s and two grade 8s in his eight GCSEs.

New Line Learning Academy

Almost two-thirds of pupils achieved a grade 4-9 in English with 44% of pupils achieving a grade 4 in maths. Some 42% achieved a grade 4 in both English and maths, which demonstrate improvement upon previous years.

Among this year’s top achievers was Weronika Szpak, who achieved English Language 9, English Literature 6, maths 7, science 7-6, Polish 9, drama Merit, music Distinction and travel and tourism Merit.

Elsewhere, Max Emberley got 6 in English Language, 8 in English Literature, 6 in maths, 7-6 in science, 6 in history, 6 in PE, Distinction in travel and tourism and A in finance.

Owen Hayward got English Language 7, English Literature 8, maths 8, science 8-8, dance Merit and music Merit.

Jess Austin achieved English Language 6, English Literature 7, maths 5, science 7-6, geography 6, history 6, health and social Distinction* and finance A.

Jack Riordan achieved English Language 7, English Literature 7, maths 5, science 5-5, history 7, PE 6 and drama Distinction.

Deepti Tamang got English Language 7, English Literature 6, maths 7, science 8-8, art 6, geography 6, travel and tourism Distinction* and Finance A.

Finally, Mark Tritton got English Language 7, English Literature 6, maths 4, science 5-5, Spanish 5, music Distinction and travel and tourism Distinction*.

Head teacher Paul Murphy said: “Our pupils who joined us in September 2014 can be extremely proud of their results which highlight their hard work and determination to succeed. These results, across this year group, are especially notable given the educational climate which includes reformed qualifications.”

Oakwood Park Grammar School

At OPGS almost a quarter of the year group gained grade 7 or above in seven or more of their GCSE courses. There were outstanding performances from Matthew Baber who achieved five grade 9s and Sol du Boc who achieved nine grade 9s.

In addition, both students also achieved a grade A in the rigorous A-level style ‘Advanced Free-Standing Maths’ qualification.

Other top performances came from Cameron Brown, William Burt, Louis Callahan-Inge, Harrison Clarke, Harry Dunnage, Luke Gordon Ellis, Tom Guy, Ben Hamer, Sam Johnson, Tom Kelly, Maximus Leighton, Ryan Mehaffey, Daniel Milne, Nathaniel Saunders, Joel Town, George Wallis, Tom Webber and Sam Whitehead.

Head teacher Kevin Moody said: “I am delighted for our students who have gained excellent results which will help them progress to the next stage of their education in what continues to be a challenging and rigorous examination system. We look forward to them continuing their studies in the sixth form at OPGS.”

Sevenoaks School

While for many schools in England most of their GCSEs will be graded 1-9, Sevenoaks School students take a mixture of GCSEs, IGCSEs and SSC (Sevenoaks School Certificate), where many results are still graded A*- G. All students took three separate IGCSE sciences, Mathematics and English Language.

The school said it was particularly delighted by the success in our own externally moderated Sevenoaks School Certificate in English Literature, now in its ninth year, and by the results in their fifth awarding year of art, drama, music, technology (robotics) and technology (visual communications).

Some 87% of all exams were graded A or A* equivalent with 116 students gaining nine or more top marks.

Acting head Theresa Homewood said: “These results are excellent, and a superb achievement for both students and teachers. We are delighted that our students start the IB Diploma Programme with such strong qualifications.”

St Augustine Academy

The whole student roll this year achieved 61% at Grade 4 or more in English and 57% for maths giving an overall 52% for exams with passes at grades 9–4.

Star performers included Stanley Bastable with nine grades between 9 and 5, and was closely followed by Erin Bourne with 10 passes from grades 9 -6. More high-scoring passes were recorded by India Capsalis, including Grade 8s for psychology, biology and maths, Eleanor Cates with the top grade 9 for English Literature and Caitlin Davidson whose tally of top grades allowed her to say that she was now “really looking forward to doing my chosen A-levels.”

Academy principal, Jason Feldwick, was delighted that the students’ hard work had achieved the results they wanted to ensure that they could continue their education at sixth form and college. He also praised and thanked staff for their hard work and dedication which has enabled a bright future for the academy’s students.

St Simon Stock

Students achieved a total of 250 top grades (grades 9-7), which is one in five of all the grades that were awarded.

Nine out of 10 students achieved grade 4 or higher in English, with more than eight out of every 10 students achieving grade 4 or higher in maths.

Science results were truly exceptional, with students achieving on average one whole grade higher than national expectations. In religious studies, which all students study to GCSE in this school, progress was one-third of a grade higher than national expectations.

Progress in all four core subjects (English, maths, science and religious studies) was well above national expectations.

Eighteen students achieved an average of grade 7 or higher in all their subjects. Special congratulations for exceptional attainment go to Sabe Santhosh (six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7); Miriam Darby (six grade 9s and three grade 8s), Laura Buchan (five grade 9s, four grade 8s, one grade 7 and a grade A in AS-level Art), Harry Williams (three grade 9s, four grade 8s and three grade 7s), Isabella Parker (one grade 9 and six grade 8s).

Also deserving special mention are Alec Holmes, Jerald Barrion and Mollie-Marie Clegg who each achieved on average three or more grades higher than government expectations across all their GCSEs.

Ten further students achieved an average of two or more grades higher than expectations across all their GCSEs - Dominika Maruszczak, Laura Prendergast, Alexander Elliott, Achera Booth, Ethan Whittell, Hannah Bealey, William Heathcote, Eilish Randall, Beth Proctor and Jasmine Gardiner.

School principal Jon Malone said: “On behalf of our staff, I congratulate our students for their exceptionally strong results this year.

“All of our students will be celebrating today, and deservedly so because most have exceeded their personal targets based on national expectations, in many cases significantly so.”

He added: “I commend our students for the key message about their character that underpins their results. GCSEs are academically demanding qualifications, requiring deep knowledge and understanding in order to achieve strong passes. Success cannot be secured through superficial last-minute revision in Year 11.

"To achieve highly, students need to work hard over many years, mastering the curriculum through sheer effort, good organisation and much deliberate practice. Our students’ shining academic ability, which is reflected by these excellent results, is a product of their grit, determination, years of hard work and a ‘can do’ mindset.”

Sutton Valence School

The school boasted one of its strongest performances of the last decade with more than 40% of all results being graded 9 to 7. The percentage of the coveted top two grades also increased, with 22% of GCSE grades being grades 9 and 8.

One-fifth of the 82 pupils in the year group each achieved more than 80% 9 to 7 grades across a wide range of subjects and five individuals achieved a superb clean sweep at these top grades. Among the outstanding performers were Alex Duckett (seven grade 9, three grade 8), Tarik Abed (six grade 9, three grade 8, one grade 7), Will Chambers (six grade 9, three grade 8, one grade 7) and Callum Hanna (three grade 9, six grade 8, one grade 7).

Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: “We are delighted with these results. The hard work invested by our pupils, along with the guidance and support provided by a dedicated team of teachers, has resulted in this outstanding level of achievement.

“These young people deserve enormous credit and can look forward to the next stage of their education with great personal and collective pride.”

Tonbridge Grammar School

This year saw three students achieve 9 grades in all of their GCSE subjects, with 14 students achieving 8 or 9 in all subjects and 50 achieving grade 7 or above across the board.

Subject results show 36 students achieving grade 9 (21%) in maths and 40 pupils (23%) in English (Language or Literature).

With an average grade per entry of 7.4, more than half (51%) of all GCSE results were at grade 8 and above and nearly three-quarters (74%) at grade 7 and above.

Head teacher Rosemary Joyce said: “Warmest congratulations to all our Year 11 students celebrating their outstanding GCSE results today. They should feel so very proud of their achievements which are testament to their hard work and commitment.

“Congratulations also to our team of dedicated staff who have once again supported students to achieve such success.”

Tonbridge School

In one of the school’s strongest ever performances, 92% of all GCSE results were at grade 9, 8 and 7. Furthermore, 46% of all results were grade 9, and 76% at grades 9 and 8, with the average outcome being equivalent to eight A*s and two As.

In total, 15 boys received a clean sweep of 9s while 48 pupils - nearly one third of all candidates - only received the top two grades, with a 100% pass rate across the board.

Headmaster James Priory said: “This is an outstanding set of results and the boys can be proud of setting such impressive standards. They will now be starting a new and exciting chapter at Tonbridge as they move into the sixth form, and I have every confidence they will continue to show the same intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and determination as they embark on their A-level and Pre-U courses.”

Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School

Some 149 pupils sat exams this year with 44.4% achieving grades 9 and 8, and 99.2% getting grades between 9 and 4. There were three pupils who gained 11 9 and A* grades, 19 pupils who had all their grades between 9 and 7, or A* and A, 89 pupils with at least one grade 9, 47 with three or more 9 grades, and 29 pupils attained 5 or more 9 grades.

A school spokesman said: “We are incredibly pleased with our GCSE results this year. Our girls have attained some really superb sets of grades, and their results show that they have also made exceptional progress during their time at TWGGS which is particularly pleasing. We would like to thank both the girls and staff for their dedication and hard work in achieving a really tremendous set of results.”

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

Head teacher Amanda Simpson said: “We are exceptionally proud of all of our students and the effort and enthusiasm they have put into their GCSE studies for the past two years and commend them for their resilience during an intense exam period.

“There have been some exceptional results with many students celebrating the full complement of the top grades of 9s and 8s.

“We look forward to welcoming those students returning to us for the Sixth Form and wish all of them the very best in their future endeavours.”

Valley Park

Students at Valley Park School have achieved record results in English and maths this summer, with two thirds of students attaining at least a grade 4 in both subjects.

Overall, 11 passes were achieved at grade 9, the highest possible grade under the new grading criteria.

Students who attained at least one qualification at this exceptionally high level were Megan Field with four, Ellie Davenport and Anna Wicks with two, and Molly Harmon, Khan Mehmet and Jessica Smith with one each.

Other notable achievements were: Megan Field (Distinction, four grade 9s, three grade 8s, a grade 7 and a grade 6), Anna Wicks (two grade 9s, four grade 8s, twograde 7s, a grade 6 and a grade 5), Ellie Davenport (Distinction, two grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s and a grade 5), Jessica Tillett (Distinction*, two grade 8s, two grade 7s, three grade 6s, two grade 5s and a grade 4), Ellis O’Cock (four grade 7s, three grade 6s, three grade 5s and a grade 4), Jess Smith (Distinction*, a grade 9, two grade 7s, three grade 6s, a grade 5 and a grade 4), Aaron Wood (Distinction*, two grade 8s, two grade 7s, two grade 6s, two grade 5s and a grade 4), Jo Ross-Gower (a grade 7, five grade 6s and five grade 5s).

There was also praise for Bibi Baptiste (two grade 8s, a grade 7, three grade 6s, two grade 5s and three grade 4s), Pella Argiriov (three grade 8s, a grade 7, two grade 6s, two grade 5s and two grade 4s), Holly Doyle (Distinction*, a grade 8, two grade 7s, three grade 6s and three grade 5s), Molly Harmon (a grade 9, two grade 8s, a grade 7, a grade 6, a grade 5 and four grade 4s), Ella Hazelwood (two grade 8s, a grade 7, a grade 6 and six grade 5s) and Charlotte Tristam (a grade 8, three grade 7s, three grade 6s and six grade 5s).

Headteacher Margaret Hutchinson said: “Our students and their teachers are rightly very proud of their results today – so much effort has gone into ensuring that students are prepared for every eventuality of the new curriculum at Key Stage 4. We congratulate our students on their successes today and wish them every success in the future.”

MidKent College wants to emphasise there are plenty of technical programmes available as well as academic qualifications for those having just collected their GCSE results.

Principal Simon Cook said: "More and more young people come to us every year because they’ve realised traditional academic courses are not always the best way to prepare for their chosen career.

"A technical qualification, such as animal management or construction, could help them gain the skills they need to secure their dream job."

Last year over 3,500 16-18-year-olds studied a technical programme at MidKent College, which has sites in both Medway and Maidstone.

The college begins enrolling from results day onwards and continue through September.

To find out more about the courses available click here.

Emma Jo will be on kmfm's The Hit List from 7pm tonight for a special GCSE Results Surgery.

Students from Canterbury College and Broadstairs College, as well as experts and careers advisers will be discussing what options are available to those picking up their results today.

To see how pupils in other parts of Kent did, head to our county-wide live blog

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 Maidstone