GCSE candidates have succeeded in their exams despite a second summer term disrupted by the pandemic.

Like with the A levels pupils did not sit in the exam hall but were graded by teacher assessments.

The results were announced today (Thursday) and at Dover Grammar School for Girls 27% of grades were 8 or 9 and 51% were at least 7.

Head teacher Robert Benson said: "Across the country Year 11s have had to negotiate the challenges of the past two years and I could not be more proud of our students here.

"They have approached their studies with both enthusiasm and dedication.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work in helping students to achieve their potential."

Dover College had a similar figure with 27.5% of GCSE results graded at 8 or 9 and 44.1% at 7 to 9.

Top performers in terms of raw grades included Gabriella Hood who achieved a clean sweep of 9s, as well as Tyler Henderson and Kirsten Blackburn who achieved all 7, 8 and 9 grades.

Headmaster, Simon Fisher, commented, “I am so proud of the pupils’ achievements and the way they have approached their studies with calm, resilience and determination despite the challenge of a global pandemic."

The GCSE successes at Sandwich Technology School matched those of the A levels announced on Tuesday.

Tracey Savage, head teacher, said “What a week! The Year 11 students have done every bit as well as our A Level students and I am very proud indeed of what they have achieved.

"They have had a very difficult two years and have proved that they are more than capable of overcoming challenges and succeeding.

"Staff here have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that our students have received the grades they truly deserve and they should not allow anyone to devalue their results.”

One of the top three pupils was Renn Hales who achieved two grade 9s, in photography and English literature, three grade 8s, three grade 7s and a grade 6.

Anneka Clegg got one grade 9, in art, one grade 8, six grade 7s and one grade 6.

Lucy Hulm achieved one grade 9, in geography, two grade 8s, two grade 7s, three grade 6s and a Distinction*.

All of three will start A Level courses in September at the school.

The Duke of York's Royal Military School in Dover had a 25% increase in the number of students gaining Grades 7-9 at GCSE including English, maths, and science.

The school explains this further cements its place as one of the highest achieving nationally.

Principal Alex Foreman said: “The resilience and determination of our students and staff has led to this amazing set of results, and we congratulate them.

"Rigorous online learning in place from the start of the first lockdown, and the benefits of our state full boarding environment, to keep students safe and focused have greatly contributed to this success.

Outstanding individual success includes Ben Thorne, who secured eight Grade 9s, and one Grade 7.

Noming Limbu got seven Grade 9s, and one Grade 7 while Sydnee Arundale gained five Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and one Grade 7.

Archie Hendry and Prashanta Rai each got with four Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and one Grade 7.

Hanniel Saumaka had four Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and three Grade 7s.

A total 20 students have been offered academic scholarships to study A Levels at the school.

Goodwin Academy, in Hamilton Road, Deal, saw particular success in many subjects including English, maths, French, performing arts and business.

More than 33% of students who took the latter two subjects achieved a Distinction.

India Warren achieved grade 9 in English language, English literature and science, Grade 8 in maths and history and Distinction in both performing arts and health and social care.

She said: “I am extremely pleased with my results. The difficult situation we have had has helped me to focus much more on my studies and I am proud that this effort has paid off.”

Samuel Smith got grade 9 in English language, geography, and science with a Distinction* in computing.

Christopher Muir earned grade 9 in English language, maths, and science, and a Distinction* in computing.

Paige Hutchison had grade 8 in English language, English literature and geography, and Distinction* in business and computing.

Trinity Barber had grade 8 in English language and geography, and Distinction* in business and computing.

Head teacher Simon Smith, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students as they receive their GCSE grades today.

"They have worked so hard over the last two years and taken all the challenges of the pandemic in their stride. To see them receive the grades they deserve and be able to progress onto their next steps is brilliant.

More results will be added as we get them.

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