For a second successive year, pupils across the country are receiving their results after exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Students at schools and colleges in Ashford, Tenterden and Romney Marsh will today discover the grades determined by their teachers, rather than exams, assessed on what they have been taught during the year.

Ofqual interim chief regulator Simon Lebus told the BBC that the watchdog wanted to create a system where every student was given a fair chance to show what they can do.

“I’m very confident that, when they get their grades on Tuesday and Thursday this week, they’ll be able to feel satisfied that that’s happened,” he told the broadcaster.

Given the disruption to the usual exam season that would have taken place prior to the Covid-19 crisis, The Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford has decided against publishing its exam results.

Headteacher Ben Greene said: "This year, following the cancellation of exams, grades were awarded through a process of teacher assessed grades, against a national standard and approved and awarded by the exam boards.

"Whilst it is customary at this time of year for schools to highlight these outcomes in terms of percentages achieved at different grade thresholds, given the disruption to education which this cohort have faced over the last two years, this is not the appropriate focus.

"Indeed, the government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year due to the impact of the pandemic.

"Notwithstanding this, we very much look forward to celebrating the range of destinations and opportunities that now await our A-level students as they head towards a range of higher education destinations, apprenticeships and employment."

The North School in Ashford says it has seen a significant increase in A*-B grades across all A-level courses, and almost 50% of BTEC grades awarded being Distinction* or Distinction.

Head girl Mia Padilla achieved A* in English, A in history and B in biology. She is looking forward to studying ancient history at the University of Kent.

Joe Battle is heading to study history at the University of Southampton after achieving A grades in mathematics, chemistry and history.

The schools Young Farmers team is delighted with Amie Bridge’s results, she will be studying agriculture with animal science at the Harper Adams University.

Conal Parnell achieved a Double Distinction in Sport BTEC and a C in A-level psychology. He will move to study in the USA on a basketball scholarship.

Headteacher Anna Lawrence said: "It has been a privilege to work with this year group. We are tremendously proud of all the work and achievements of our students, especially after such an extraordinary and disrupted year.

"Students worked closely with staff and supported each other throughout the very challenging year. We look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future."

At Benenden School students are celebrating after 83% of grades awarded were at A* or A, up from 74% last year.

The school's top performer was Freya Ridgwell, who earned four A* grades and an A. Eighteen other students achieved clean sweeps of A* grades across the board, with 16 of these leaving Benenden with four A-levels at A*.

During the summer term, when exams would normally be taking place, Benenden organised a special learning programme for the GCSE and A-level year groups. This programme involved academic sessions, practical courses, vocational qualifications and a programme of lectures.

Headmistress Samantha Price said: "The students have thoroughly deserved these excellent grades. We always knew this was a strong year group who were likely to perform very well and pupils achieved the grades we would have expected.

"Nevertheless, it has been a very difficult two years for them. Their entire A-level experience has been affected by the pandemic, although undeniably the fact that they were able to have a sustained education throughout - either online or in person - has certainly enabled them to achieve these results.

"Everybody should be very proud of their results and we must not let any controversy about this year’s results dilute the fact that these students have been able to achieve excellent grades against an extremely challenging backdrop."

Sixth-formers at Wye School are set to take up places at some of the UK’s top universities after receiving their A-level grades today.

Among those celebrating at Wye School were Amelia Pullen, who will be going to King’s College London to study pharmacy, and Abi Holroyde, who will be taking up a place at the University of Kent to study architecture.

Amelia said: "I am so happy I am going to King’s College London, I feel like writing a poem! Thank you to my amazing English teacher."

Fellow student Abi said: "I am over the moon that I got into the University of Kent to study architecture. It was such a difficult year and we didn’t know what to expect."

Luke Magee, principal at Wye School, said: "Our sixth-formers have shown real fortitude, determination and character over the past 18 months, amidst the disruption caused by the pandemic.

"Throughout, they have maintained their focus and hard work - whether in class or during periods of home learning - and I am delighted to see so many securing the university and apprenticeship places of their choice today.

"I would like to congratulate all our students receiving their grades today and wish them all the best as they take their next steps as adults. Our staff, too, deserve huge thanks for their tireless efforts, guidance and support towards our young people, and the way they have adapted to make the best of these challenging times."

At Towers School in Ashford all pupils who applied for university have been successful, while other students have apprenticeships and employment opportunities lined up.

Principal Richard Billings said: "I am immensely proud of each student, showing the resilience and tenacity to continue with their studies, whilst facing such challenges brought about by the global pandemic.

"Each student needs to be celebrated, not only for their results, but also for their pure determination to continue in such difficult circumstances. Our students have shown how they can adapt their approach to their studies and still thrive to achieve their grades and get to their next destination."

At Highworth Grammar School in Ashford seven students were celebrating results which gained them Oxbridge places.

Georgia Sweeney, who is going on to study biomedical science at St Hilda's College, Oxford, said: "It's been a nervous build up to the day but I am very happy that our places are confirmed."

Headteacher Paul Danielsen said: "Our students have worked very hard over the last two years to achieve their results and remain focused on their studies through a challenging time.

"The vast majority of our students have been successful in gaining their chosen university places and I wish everyone continued success and happiness in the pathways they choose for the future."

Meanwhile, at The John Wallis Church of England Academy in Ashford 87% of students achieved grade A* to C in their A-levels.

Head of upper school, Tony Shepherd, said: "Congratulations to all those students who have achieved so highly. We are exceptionally proud of your achievements and what they mean for your future prospects. You should all feel incredibly proud of what you have achieved."

At Homewood School in Tenterden, principal Jeremy Single spoke of his pride at the successes of this year's pupils.

"It was wonderful to see our Year 13 and 14 students this morning and to be able to congratulate them and wish them well for the future," he said.

"I am extremely proud of everyone’s determination and overall resilience in what has been another very testing academic year and am very pleased that so many of them will be going on to study at some of the country’s best universities and on the courses of their choice."

A possible rise in the number of students achieving top A-level results does not represent a “devaluing of grades”, a school leaders’ union has said.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said this year’s students have suffered more disruption than any cohort and their results should be “celebrated”.

We will be updated you with all the results from schools across Ashford, Tenterden and Romney Marsh as we get them today.

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