The nerves had been building, then came the moment the envelopes were opened and futures determined.

While pupils are celebrating their A-level results, schools across Maidstone, Malling and the Weald are boasting record years of achievements.

Across our area:

Delight was the word the summed up the day at Maidstone Girls Grammar School, with a total of 28 students getting a clean sweep of A* and A grades.

A pass rate of 96% recorded at Astor of Hever school in Maidstone.

Angley School in Cranbrook saw a 97% pass rate, with 16% of grades awarded at A or A*.

Outstanding students at Wrotham School included Steph Hill, A and B, Rachel Bunn, A and B, Sam Payne, who got A, B and C.

Maidstone Grammar School students scored A* to B grades in just under 60% of all their A-levels.

THIS year proved to be the best year for some time at Swadelands school in Lenham, with 38% going on to university.

For a full round up of schools see Friday's Kent Messenger.