It has been a day of happiness and occasional sadness too as teenagers across the Dover, Deal and Sandwich areas have been checking out their GCSE results.

Many arrived at their schools early today and Mercury photographer Wayne McCabe has captured many of those first moments when the letters were opened.

Sandwich Secondary School head teacher Veronica Gomez said: “It was joyous to see the excitement this morning as students reaped the rewards of all of their hard work. I am proud of every single student.”

Chris Morgan, head teacher at Sir Roger Manwood’s School, Sandwich, said: “A very pleasing set of results. The average points score per candidate achieved was 531 and this equates to an average of more than 10 grade A passes per student.

“A total of 48% of all the exams taken were passed at the top grades of A* and A, and 25 students gained nearly all A* and A passes which is a fantastic achievement.”

Matthew Bartlett, head teacher at Dover Grammar School for Girls, said: ‘We are uncompromising in offering demanding academic subjects and our students respond with real commitment and enthusiasm.

“The outcomes are a testament to the students’ efforts and the support they receive from parents and teachers as they strive to achieve the highest standards possible.”

* For more reaction from the area’s head teachers, photos and GSCE results, see the East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury on Thursday, August 29.