Thousands of pupils discovered their long-awaited GCSEs results today. Here's a round-up of reactions from schools across the Weald.

The High Weald Academy in Angley Road, Cranbrook, saw 53% of pupils achieve five or more A* to C grades, including English and mathematics, which is an increase of about 20% from last year. It’s the school’s best ever results either as an academy or as its predecessor, Angley School. In the core subjects, 63% of youngsters secured A* to C marks in English, 64% welcomed the high results in mathematics and 69% in science. Outgoing principal Robert Jackson said: “We are thrilled by the achievements of the students this year. I am so proud each individual student and I am delighted that the results the young people have actually achieved will pave the way for their future studies and careers.”

Out of the 142 pupils who sat the exams at Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School, in Southfield Road, 99% received A* to C grades with 39% scoring the top mark. Two youngsters obtained a full sweep of 13 A*s and three classmates achieved 11 A*s and one A.

Cranbrook School is celebrating a pass rate of 99.3%. All of its 153 pupils who sat the exams, achieved five A* to C grades, including maths and English, with 65% marked as an A* or A. It’s the second best set of results the school has ever had. Forty youngsters gained at least five A*, and five students gained 11 straight A*s. Headmaster Dr John Weeds said: “The results, especially in a volatile year for grades nationally, are a real credit to the staff and the students, who have really risen to the occasion. There are lots of happy people around here today.”

All of the 118 pupils who sat GCSE exams at The Skinners’ School in St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells, achieved five or more A* to C grades, including mathematics and English. Overall, 38% of the marks were A* and 75% were the top two grades.

Of the 201 students who sat GCSEs at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, with 94% achieving five A* to C grades including English and maths. There was a 100% pass rate. As many as 16 students were awarded 10 or more A* to A grades. Among the top performers were Ben Price with 10 A*s, and Harry Whitehouse, William Delves, Llywelyn Colnet and Owen Benham who all got nine A*s and one A. Headteacher at the St. John’s Road school, John Harrison said: “In a year when, nationally, some volatility has been predicted I am delighted to see the boys do so well, I am particularly pleased to see our A*/A grades go up this year. The boys have done really well and we wish them every success in their post 16 studies – starting in a very few days’ time!”

Set against the national picture of volatility in GCSE results, Bethany School students celebrated results “considerably above the national norms”. Headmaster of the Curtisden Green school, Francie Healy said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results and feel privileged to lead a school that can help pupils obtain such standards. Relative to the abilities of the pupils, these grades are simply outstanding and this was only made possible, within our nurturing and caring environment, and with the expert support from our teaching staff.”

Mascalls School, in Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, was unable to give overall statistics due to an administrative error by one of the exam boards. Headteacher Stuart Reeves said: “This situation is unacceptable on a day when decisions that affect the futures of young people are being made. That said, the vast majority of pupils have done really well.” Top achievers include Charlotte Faux and Bethany-Jo Bevis who both scored 10 A* grades. Mr Reeves added: “I would like to thank all my staff for their hard work and determination to do their best by our pupils in another year of unprecedented examination reform.”

Kent College, in Old Church Road, Pembury, celebrated record-breaking GCSE results with 53% of grades being awarded A* to A, including 22% at the top mark. The overall pass rate was 100% with 95% marked between A* to C. Headmistresses Sally-Anne Huang said: "Kent College Girls are now doing more subjects at GCSE and going better at them. We continue to grow academically without having an exclusive intake and I am really looking forward to having these successful GCSE candidates as KC sixth formers in September." The top performers include sixteen-year old Lucy Rycroft who achieved a clean sweep of 11 A* grades.