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After another year of disruption to their studies, GCSE pupils across Maidstone, Malling and Weald are today picking up their long awaited GCSE results.
For the second year in a row exams were cancelled and pupils have instead been given grades by their teachers based on mock exams, coursework, and in-class assessments.
It's expected the number of young people achieving top grades will rise this year due to the way grades have been decided.
It follows talks about grade inflation which became a big topic on Tuesday when A-level pupils picked up their results.
Almost 45% of pupils were awarded As and A*s - that's up by more than 6%.
At Sutton Valence School, of the 88 pupils picking up their grades today, 33% achieved four or more grade 8 or 9s (formerly an A*), with five students each gaining nine or more A and A* equivalent grades across subjects.
Top performers include Scarlett Washington who achieved 11 grade 9s, and Elizabeth Goodwin who achieved ten 9s and one 8.
James Thomas, new headmaster at Sutton Valence School
Helen Chambers, Rose Price and Hannah Slipper, all achieved grade 9 and 8 results.
“Today’s results were very pleasing indeed for last year’s Fifth Form cohort,” commented the new Headmaster, James Thomas, adding, “I enjoyed meeting a number of them today, seeing how pleased they were, and hearing how keen they are to embark on life in the Sixth Form.
“It has been a particularly trying period for many of them, and we should also applaud the significant work by the staff here at SVS as well as the support from parents at home.
“There is a great deal of potential in this cohort and I look forward to seeing them achieve fine things in the final chapter of their school lives.”
At Invicta Grammar School, Eva Chirosca, Amelie Coy, Mollie Haynes, Terrena Laity, Ella Regan, and Arabella Whatling all achieved a clean sweep of grade 9s, the equivalent of higher than an A*.
Julie Derrick, Head teacher at the school in Huntsman Lane, commented "We are thrilled with the fact that all our Teachers Assessed Grades were endorsed and upheld by Ofqual, acknowledging the hard work of our students as they achieved an outstanding set of GCSE results.
"We employed an extremely rigorous system to generate the grades that most fairly reflected our students’ performance and we are very proud of what Year 11 students have achieved.
"This year group has been working extremely hard and courageously. Each and every student should be proud of what they have achieved.
"The professionalism and integrity with which our staff have carried out the exceptional task of awarding TAGs, on top of a difficult year, is remarkable. I cannot thank them enough.”
The Year 11s have been celebrating their success with a party at the new School of Science and Technology in New Cut Road.
The top performer at Benenden School in Cranbrook was Scarlett Mansfield, who achieved a clean sweep of 13 grade 9s – the highest available.
Five other girls achieved 12 straight Level 9s, while five more earned at least ten Level 9 grades.
Headmistress Samantha Price said: “Many congratulations to this year’s Upper Fifth who have achieved some excellent results – both collectively and on an individual basis, with every pupil fulfilling her potential.
“Nationally, there is some understandable controversy around the awarding of grades this year, and this was always going to be the case, but I would like to reassure our students that they have thoroughly earned their GCSE results.
“They have worked exceptionally hard in extraordinary circumstances and I have been very impressed at their commitment and determination.
“After what has been a very difficult year for everyone, this very capable cohort can now look forward to concentrating on the formal start to their A-level studies in September without, we hope, their education being disrupted by the pandemic.
Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School has decided not to release their results this year.
In a statement, head teacher Linda Wybar said: "We are so pleased for our pupils who have achieved such excellent results in very difficult circumstances.
"The last two years have been anything but straightforward, with pupils negotiating two extended periods of remote learning whilst also coping with the uncertainties of the pandemic and final assessment methods. They fully deserve the excellent grades they have been awarded today.
"Our staff too have risen admirably to the challenges of the moderation and grading process. Their commitment and professionalism have ensured that our pupils have been exceptionally well supported and that our grading is consistent and robust.
Mark Tomkins, headmaster Maidstone Grammar School
"This has been an outstanding effort from pupils and staff alike – congratulations to everyone."
The headmaster at Maidstone Grammar School, Mark Tomkins, said he was again delighted with his students’ results. He said: “Some 62% of all grades were at levels 7, 8 or 9. 40% were at grade 8 or 9.
“Fifty-four students got eight subjects at grade 8 or above and two achieved grade 9s across the board.
“The results reflect the hard work staff and students have done over what has been a very challenging year.”
At Sevenoaks School, 93.8% of all examinations were graded between 9, 8 and 7.
Some 25 students gained 11 or 12 grade 9s, 8s and 7s, and a further 109 achieved 10 GCSEs between grades 9, 8 and 7.
Mr Jesse Elzinga, the Headmaster, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students. These excellent results pay testament to their hard work and resilience during an extremely challenging time.
“Students took a delayed set of mock exams in March at school and internal Year 11 summer exams which replaced GCSEs and IGCSEs in May.
“This provided evidence to help award fair and accurate results in the absence of a normal exams session.
"We congratulate our students on these results and on their positive attitude and determination throughout the past two years.”
Most of the Year 11 pupils will continue at the school’s Sixth Form with a 241-strong cohort starting in the Lower Sixth in September.
At Oakwood Park Grammar School, Ashwin Knight achieved a grade 9 in all 11 subjects and will now continue his passion for the sciences and maths at A-level in the school's Sixth Form.
He will be joined by Thomas Lenham who achieved ten grade 9s and one grade 8 and Josh Ingram, who achieved eight grade 9s and three grade 8s.
Saul John and Ben Madden also achieved an impressive eight grade 9s.
Callum Pearce and Jack Wilson both achieved eleven GCSEs at grade 7 and above, seven of which were at grade 9.
Jack hopes to continue with his studies in science and maths while Callum wants to take maths and physics and design technology.
Other outstanding performances came from Harry Randall and Henry Hayward who both secured top grades of 7 plus in all eleven of their GCSEs, including three grade 9s.
Mr Moody, the school Head teacher said: “Everyone at Oakwood Park Grammar School is so proud of the achievements of our Year 11 students.
“They worked exceptionally hard and demonstrated great resilience over two years of disrupted learning.
"They deserve every success. I also want to thank our teachers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that all students have been able to progress to the next stage of their education.”
The Maplesden Noakes School in Buckland Road says this year’s GCSE and A-level results are the best results in the history of the school.
Rohit Chudasama achieved six grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 7 and one grade 6.
Charlotte Gibson achieved three grade 8s, four grade 7s and two grade 6s.
Another top performer was Jamie Jaffray who got four grade 9s, an 8 plus a grade 7 and two grade 6s.
Despite fears about grade inflation, Tanya Kelvie, head teacher at Aylesford School feels the grades achieved by her pupils accurately reflect the hard work students have put in despite the challenging year.
She added: “We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students and the good character they have shown, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year.
“The students receiving results today are special to me as they are the first year group that I have taken all the way from Year 7 to Year 11 at Aylesford School as head teacher.
“It is not goodbye as many are staying in our Sixth Form.
“Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto our Sixth Form, further education and study, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
Pupil Olivia is celebrating after achieving 10 subjects above a grade 7.
Amiee said she was ‘pleasantly shocked’ to be celebrating 10 GCSE results all above grade 7. She also achieved grade 9's in English language, history and RE.
Among the top achievers at St Simon Stock Catholic School are Aidan Abbey, Emilie Clegg, Thomas Griffiths, John Barrion and Daniel Akhetuamen.
Pupils Arminas Bajorinas, Charlie Walsh, Anya Vloothuis, Ben Kumar, Gilliane Vito, Joshua Tuazon, Rosie Seal, Ellen Arkwright, Ama Nyamaah, Joshan Randhawa are also being celebrated for achieving on average two or three grades above expectations across all their subjects.
Jon Malone, Academy Principal, said: “I congratulate our students for their exceptionally strong GCSE and other level 2 results this year.
“A significant majority of students have exceeded both national and their own personal expectations, setting them on a path for success at post-16 level.
“Their results are a product of grit, determination, teamwork and an attitude of ‘I will do it’.
“I also wish to highlight that this cohort of students have experienced significant disruption to their education, as a result of the pandemic and recurring lockdowns and periods of self-isolation over the past two academic years, greater than experienced by any generation of young people since the Second World War.
“I do not exaggerate when I say that our staff are in awe of the students’ achievements and their character.”
At Valley Park, 79% of results were at grade 4 or above, with 58% being at grade 5 or higher.
Head teacher Margaret Hutchinson praised students for their work ethic in spite of the adversity they faced, saying: “Our students have every right to feel proud of their achievements, having maintained their dedication in spite of regular interruptions to their studies.
“Our thanks, of course, are also due to the many colleagues who taught and supported them throughout their courses, particularly during the pandemic.”
High achievers were Anastasiya Danylenko who took four 9s three 8s and a 7; Amelia Doherty with one 9, two 8s, two 7s, a 6 and three 5s; Daisy Jones with a 9, two 8s, two 7s and four 6s, and Josan Limbu with a 9, two 8s, a 7, two 6s and three 5s.
Kent College Pembury has not published its results this year, but a spokesman said its pupils received “excellent GCSE grades in line with the high standard that the school achieves each year.”
Headmistress, Julie Lodrick said: “For Year 11 students across the UK, the decision to abandon examinations was a challenging one but we are proud to say that our Year 11 pupils at Kent College were awarded grades that were an accurate reflection of their aptitude and ability, which will provide them with a firm foundation as they progress to Sixth Form.”
The Lenham School is celebrating an excellent set of results with 58% of students gaining a pass in both English and maths and 63% of students achieving five GCSEs at grade 4 or higher.
Notable high achievers were Isabella Antunes, Tamzin Barton, Layla Brimsted, Erin Fraser-Pritchard, Jake Micallef, Katie Rangel, James Sadler and Emileigh Saint who all gained at least seven grades 6 or above including an impressive number of grade 8 passes.
Head teacher Chris Foreman said: “The results awarded today truly reflect the hard work and study demonstrated by our students throughout the three years of their GCSE courses. Congratulations to all our students and we wish them well with their futures.”
At Cornwallis Academy, nearly 75% of all GCSEs achieved were grade 4 plus which is a 5% increase on the previous year.
It also saw an increase of 7% of students achieving a good pass of grade 4 or more in both English and maths.
Over the past two academic years the percentage of students achieving tops grades of 7 and 9 has risen by nearly 5%.
Mrs McMahon, Head of School, commented: “I am extremely proud of all our students’ achievements.
“During a time of such uncertainty, they have shown great self-belief, resilience and courage to overcome the challenges of Covid-19.”
Among the top achievers are Phoebe May who achieved two 9s, four 8s, two 7s, and one 6, and Alicia Nunn who achieved two 9s, two 8s and five 7s.
Chloe Mangold secured one 8, one Distinction and seven 7s while Alfie Sanders achieved one 9, one Distinction*, two 8s, four 7s and one 6.
At Hillview School for Girls', over 60% of students gained a grade 7 or higher in at least one of their subjects.
Head teacher, Hilary Burkett said: “This is an exceptional year group. They have managed all the challenges and curveballs that have been thrown at them with determination, tenacity and positivity.
"I am incredibly proud of each and every individual and what they have achieved today. They truly do deserve their success.”
Top achievers include Paloma Bharucha and Sophia Harhalos, both who secured ten grades 9s.
Initial figures from High Weald Academy in Cranbrook show grades across all subject areas have maintained a year on year improvement.
Head of School, Lisa Barker said: "I am extremely proud of what our students have achieved.
“They have worked extremely hard as have the staff in the academy to ensure our results continue to improve in order that our students have even brighter futures.”
The Holmesdale School in Snodland has not released a breakdown of their results. However, they have shared the grades of some of their top achievers.
Jack Loft achieved three grade 8’s, four grade 7’s, one grade 6, one grade 5 and a Merit. Amelia Smith achieved two grade 8’s, three grade 7’s, two grade 6’s and a Distinction*.
Finally, Cerys Vanns achieved one grade 8’s, four grade 7’s, two grade 6’s and a Distinction*.
Head teacher Glenn Prebble said: “What a year these students have had and yet they have still achieved so well despite the challenges presented by covid.
"I am so proud of the way they have handled themselves over the last years and achieved the results that they deserve.’’
A spokesperson from The Hayesbrook School in Tonbridge said the partnership between teachers, pupils and families have resulted in the academy's outcomes being in line with previous years.
Standout outcomes were achieved by a number of pupils including Ashley Ali who achieved three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two Distinction*s.
George Stevenson achieved a Distinction*, one grade 9, and five grade 8s.
Tom Wall achieved three grade 9s, three 8s and, one Distinction * and Jack Bowra achieved a Distinction and six grade 8s.
Around 50% of the cohort will remain for their sixth form studies at Hayesbrook, with the remaining pupils pursuing new opportunities at colleges and grammar schools in West Kent.
At Maidstone Grammar School for Girls 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 and look forward to the next stage of their education at MGGS Sixth Form.”
Top performing students included Snigdha Darsi, Amber Gooding, Nayana Rojo, Isadora Watson, Holly Adams, Katie Dadswell, Fia Jacob, Laura Flory and Crystal Leong who all achieved nine or more grade 9s at GCSE.
At Bethany School in Goudhurst, some of the best performing subjects were chemistry, English literature, French, Mandarin, music and physics.
The top performing pupil this year was Ethan Hill from Curtisden Green who attained seven GCSEs at grade 9.
He was closely followed by Sophie Lumsden from Frant who achieved six grade 9s.
Arthur Cairns from Wateringbury obtained four grade 9s and five grade 8s, while William Stoneham from Cranbrook secured four grade 9s, and four grade 8s.
Talented performing artist Charlotte Ensor achieved three grade 9s and six grade 8s.
Headmaster Francie Healy said: “These amazing results reflect the hard work and dedication of the pupils and staff.
“I am enormously proud of every single Year 11 pupil. They have risen to the increased challenges forced upon them superbly well.
"Their growth in resilience and independence has been a joy to witness.”
Pupil Beth Kuhepa said: “I am really happy with my results and I definitely could not have got them without my amazing teachers.“
Maddy Parrottsaid: “I am really pleased with my GCSE results because I know I worked hard and got lots of support.”
Stay with us as we publish more results from schools in Maidstone, Malling and the Weald.
Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone
