A headteacher has reminded GCSE pupils of 2020 that they did "earn these results" despite not sitting the exams, this results day.

Pupils around Deal , Dover and Sandwich have opened their envelopes - or emails - today, with much delight that these grades were based on assessment rather than algorithm.

It means, as Tracey Savage, head teacher at Sandwich Technology School points out, that youngster's grades are founded entirely on their efforts and should be celebrated.

She said: "Despite the strangeness of not sitting exams for these grades, they did earn these results.

"The grades that we submitted to the examination boards were based on their efforts, hard work and performance in assessments since they started to work towards their GCSEs in Year 9.

"I feel it is important that, despite the media interest surrounding these results, our students should focus on their achievements, which are both real and deserved."

The morning has not been without some exam chaos, as BTEC results have been withheld by exam boards at the last minute. It is not known what date they will be made available for pupils.

This is our round-up from schools across the district:

Sandwich Technology School

Results were shared electronically to Sandwich Technology School pupils.

Echoing the A Level results of last week, head teacher Tracey Savage says GCSE results have shown significant improvement for the third successive year.

The percentage of students achieving a grade 4 or better in English and maths is 61% compared to 51% last year, while those achieving grade 5 or better in both English and maths has improved from 25% last year to 32%.

Also, the percentage of students achieving a grade 7 (old style grade A) or better in both English and maths has improved from 3% to 5%, this being 12 students in total.

Mrs Savage said: “I want to congratulate all of the students for some excellent exam results."

Special congratulations has been given to Toby Keenan who achieved four grade 9s in biology, geography, mathematics and physics in addition to two grade 8s, and three grade 7s.

Demi-Leigh Milton achieved a grade 9 in English literature, two grade 8s and five grade 7s. This means that neither Toby nor Demi achieved anything below an old style grade A.

William Royce achieved two grade 9s in biology and geography, three grade 8s, two grades 7s and a grade 6.

Shannon Rose achieved two grade 9s in biology and sociology, three grade 8s, one grade 7 and two grade 6s.

Mr Sharples, deputy headteacher, added: “It is a shame that this year group in particular did not get the chance to sit their exams.

"We knew that this cohort was set to produce the school’s best ever GCSE results and were very excited about this year’s exams.

"While we know that our assessment procedures are robust, realistic and not subject to over-inflation, it is a pity that we do not have the external verification of exams to 100% prove how well our students have done.

"We are exceedingly proud of them.”

Sir Roger Manwood's School

Pupils sprawled out onto the school field to learn of their fate at Sir Roger Manwood's Grammar..

Maisie Cole-Breakspear was delighted with her three 7s and seven 8s allowing her to stay on at the Sandwich school to study A-Levels in psychology, maths and sports.

She said: "I had wanted to sit the exams so I could say I had actually achieved them but I've done well so I'm not too bothered now."

Olivia Bennett, 16, was most pleased with her 9 in French - the highest score available in a subject.

She too is staying on the study French, maths and geography and is hoping school life will return as normal in a couple of weeks.

She said: "I think it's important that we start the year strong. It's only two years and it goes so quick."

Oliver Harris was made up with his 8s in history, geography and biology and is remaining at the school for A-Levels.

Dover Christ Church Academy

Beaming smiles and tears of joy were seen after results envelopes were torn into, heralding the green light for pupils to study chosen further education courses.

A large portion of the cohort of around 120 have opted to stay on at the school to study A-Levels or BTec courses at its sixth form.

Among them was Alison Sievewright, who gained a level two distinction in construction along with a 5 in maths and 4s in English language, literature, science and history. She said: "These grades are unexpected. I did not expect to pass."

With hopes of becoming an RAF engineering apprentice when she's 18, she'll stay at Post 16 to study English, psychology and history at A- Level along with BTEC in music.

Dreams of eventually becoming a midwife or a secondary school pastoral carer will lead Amelia Howell back through the doors at Christ Church in September to study double health and social care at B TEC, with psychology and social anthropology.

'We have been delighted to be able to celebrate our students successes today after the recent period of uncertainty'

The 16 year-old gained a 5 in English language and six 4s in: English literature, maths, biology, chemistry, physics and history.

After steady improvements in each of her four resits, Jasmine Kemp, 17, finally gained passes in her maths and English GCSEs.

The relieved police cadet, who last week got a merit pass in her double BTec in sport, is now on course to apply for a role at the Kent constabulary as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Principal Jamie MacLean said: "We have been delighted to be able to celebrate our students successes today after the recent period of uncertainty. I am very proud of the maturity and positivity that our students have shown over the past 6 months and I am delighted that such a large proportion have chosen to continue at the academy into our sixth form. Whilst the results are based on our Centre Assessed Grades they show a significant improvement in students’ performance compared to previous years, which represents the incredible work and determination this cohort have shown throughout their time at the academy."

Dover Grammar School for Girls

GCSE results were warmly received by all students with a significant number choosing to attend school to receive their results in person.

Mr Benson, headteacher, said: “After the uncertainty of the last few weeks we are pleased to be able to share with our students grades which represent their hard work and dedication over their time with us here at the school.

"After such a difficult year where this cohort have been unable to fulfil the usual rites of passage of exams, proms and goodbyes, it has been wonderful today to share in their successes and touch base again.

"Staff have been in school today to meet students and discuss their next steps, providing support where necessary and celebrating with students across the board.

"We are immensely proud of all our Year 11 and wish them well for the future: whether that is at other institutions preparing for the next stage of their lives or, for the majority, joining us here to take advantage of our top quality Sixth Form.

"Students have been able to choose from a wide range of subjects through our 3+ offer and pick additional opportunities to complement their core subjects such as work experience, leadership opportunities, EPQs and sports.

"We have seen a number of students at A Level this year receive a revised offer for Cambridge and Medical schools and I have high hopes that we will see the same from this year’s cohort in due course.”

Twin girls from Dover Grammar School for girls have been praised for revising for all of their mocks as if they were training for the real thing.

And this year, perhaps more importantly than ever, that proved to pay off.

Milly and Maisie Robson were delighted with their GCSEs which they received three days after turning 16 on Monday.

Milly scored an impressive 8 in English literature, six 7s (English language, maths, chemistry, history, French, and religious studies) and four 6s (biology, physics, art and design and geography).

She plans to study English, history and psychology A-Levels at Sir Roger Manwood's in Sandwich in the hope of becoming a criminal solicitor one day.

Maisie, born just one minute after Milly and technically the second youngest in their year, achieved one 9 in Latin - the equivilent of an A**.

She also racked up five 7s (two in combined science, English language, English Literature and religious studies) three 6s (design and technology, German, and geography) and a 5 in maths.

She will stay on at sixth form to study chemistry, physics and classic civilisation at A-Level in preparation to become a paramedic.

Mum Lisa Robson said: "We're so proud of them, they never stopped working, always studied for mocks as if they were the real thing. Thank goodness."

Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Students and staff are celebrating great results at GCSE with an increase in Grade 9 including English, Maths, and Science, and more than a quarter of the cohort have been offered Sixth Form scholarships.

Alex Foreman, the school’s principal, said: “Despite all the educational debate, we were actually expecting excellent results this year as grades have been rising since we introduced new teaching and learning methods three years ago.

"Our hard-working students have not let us down, and we congratulate them. We are ranked in the top 2% of schools national for progress and, as a top performing non-selective school, our results compare favourably with many of Kent’s leading grammar schools. We believe our successful combination of academic focus and exceptional extra-curricular activities ensure our students can achieve their personal goals along with good values and life skills.”

Outstanding individual success includes Anton Nogotkov, who secured ten Grade 9, one Grade 8; Toby Thorne with ten Grade 9; Charlotte Higgs gained ten Grade 9; Joshua Anetor with seven Grade 9, two Grade 8; Ethel Tendo gained seven Grade 9, two Grade 8; Ellie Bennett with four Grade 9, four Grade 8, one Grade 6.

Twenty-six students have been offered academic scholarships to study A Levels at the school. Furthermore, additional scholarships have been offered to external applicants as the school continues to grow its Sixth Form.

Dover Grammar School for Boys

Head teacher Philip Horstrup said: "Given all that has happened since March, and all the rites of passage that Year 11 students have missed out on over the last 6 months, celebrating GCSE results day with our boys has been extra special this year. We are thoroughly proud of them all and are immensely pleased that they are now able to go on to the next stage of their lives with confidence and certainty, whether that be continuing into our sixth form or starting an apprenticeship or employment. As our school motto - Fiat Lux (Let There Be Light) - so aptly demonstrates, today is a day to let the light shine in on our students and to celebrate all that they have been able to achieve."

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