Thousands of pupils discovered their long-awaited A-level results today. Here's a round-up of reactions from schools across Maidstone.

Maidstone Grammar School, in Barton Road, matched last year’s A-level results with just under 60% of all exam entries graded at at A* to B, and one in every three marked as A or A*. Thirty-four teens achieved at least three A grades or better and 20 students welcomed a minimum of two A*s and an A.

Oakwood Park Grammar School, which has around 150 pupils in the upper six, welcomed glowing A-level results with a quarter of all grades being marked as an A* or A. There were 150 pupils in the year. Overall, 72% of results were between A* and B in pre-university subjects.

Swadelands sixth form students are celebrating another year of successful results. Seventy-three percent of pupils achieved an A grade with over 50% achieving top grades in two of their subject areas. Headteacher Richard Baddeley said “It is so good to see the efforts of the students rewarded with so much success. As always the strong relationships between the students and their teachers have been a key factor in their achievement. Everybody at Swadelands wishes our students every success in the future now that they are leaving for new challenges, either at University, continued education or employment.”

Amy Griffiths from Barming and Phil Coatsworth from Penenden, both 18, were among the pupils at St Simon Stock School, in Oakwood Park, to achieve A*s. Both secured the top mark for maths. The school had 66% of entries at grade C and above. Headteacher Brendan Wall said: “The academic results play an important part but it is the development of these young people into mature young adults that is our achievement as a school.”

The number of pupils to achieve A* to B grades increased by 10% to 58% at St Augustine Academy, in Oakwood Park, this year. Maria Shooter, Callum Styles-Brown and Charlie Boyce were among the 29% of the year group to welcome an A*, distinction or distinction* mark. Paul Brow, vice principal, said: “Overall the Academy are very pleased with the results. The students worked incredibly hard and we have our highest number of students starting university courses in September.”

Pupils at Invicta Grammar School, in Huntsman Lane, achieved 71% of A* to B grades in this year’s results. The group of 156 sixth formers, who have raised more than £30,160 during their time in year 13, scored 214 A* and A grades and a pass rate of 100%. Julie Derrick, Kent Messenger Headteacher of the Year, said: “Our students have yet again risen to the challenge of combining their own academic work with charitable work to not only give themselves the best possible opportunities moving forward, but also to improve the lives of others in their local, national and international community.”

Future School Trust’s sixth form has set a new record with 13% achieving A*s. The overall pass rate for the unit which serves Cornwallis Academy, in Hubbards Lane, Linton, and New Line Learning Academy in Boughton Lane, Loose, increased from 98% to 99%. Over a quarter gained A* and A grades and 68% took home A* to C marks. Cornwallis Academy's Principal, David Simons, said: “I am delighted with another set of outstanding results, which are testament to all the hard work students and staff put in throughout the year. We’re extremely proud that over three quarters of the cohort will be going to university.”

Twins Alice and Carolyn Rogers will have a double celebration after they each achieved four A* A-levels. The pupils at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, in Buckland Road, also secured top marks for their Extended Project Qualification. Out of the 169 pupils who sat the exams, 92% secured A* to C marks. The school had an overall pass rate of 99%. Headteahcer Maureen Wolloshin said: "I am delighted for the students who have worked so hard and have been rewarded with such brilliant results. We wish them the very best as they embark on their careers ahead and I am sure with these results behind them they will be highly successful." Over 40% of all year 13s achieved three or more A and A* grades.

Cheers of joy were heard at Sutton Valence School in North Street after pupils received record breaking results with 70% of grades being A* to B and 89% between A* to C. The year group achieved an 100% pass rate and 10% were the top mark. Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: "Over the past seven years, the number of A* to B grades has risen by 75% to today's record. I am absolutely delighted for our students. This type of achievement does not happen without huge effort and commitment from students and staff." Of the 72 sixth form students who sat the exams, eight achieved all passes at A* and A.

Valley Park School, in Huntsman Lane, has welcomed record breaking A-level results. Seventy-nine pupils sat exams and 83% of grades were at A* to C with 55% being marked at A* and A. Sixteen sixth formers attained at least three grades at the top two grades, including. Headteacher Vic Ashdown said: “I’m delighted for our students and their families, who can be justifiably proud of their achievements. I wish them all the very best for their futures.”

Out of the 150 students who sat A-level exams at MidKent College, 42% got A* to C grades and 4% secured A*s. The overall pass rate for the campuses in Oakwood Park, Maidstone, and in Gillingham, Medway, was 88%. Emma Wilkinson, director for the faculty of science, humanities and access, said: “We’re extremely proud of all of our students and staff who have working very hard. Many of our students are progressing to their university of choice and we wish them all the best for their future.”

More coverage photos will be in this Friday's Kent Messenger.