For the first time in history, A-level results are being collected without students going anywhere near an exam hall.

Across Maidstone, Malling and Weald, pupils were forced to bid an emotional farewell to their friends and teachers in March as schools closed as the UK responded to the threat of coronavirus.

The last few months saw uncertainty around exam grades, with the Government announcing results would be predicted by teachers and checked over by exam boards.

Sutton Valence School near Maidstone was one of the few schools that held a "near-normal" results day - albeit with social distancing measures in place.

Students were invited in to collect their results from the Sports Hall and discuss their options with their teachers, although they had to wear face-masks while inside and observe a strict one-way system in the corridors.

Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said that he was delighted that more than 60% of his students had received A* to B results despite the unprecedented difficult times of Covid lock-down.

However, he was less happy with the Government's decision to moderate the results suggested by students' teachers for their exam grades.

He said: "The Government felt the need to achieve a spread of results nationally to match the normal spread of statistics, but students are not statistics and can't be treated as such. It's particularly tough on students with lower grades who perhaps have seen them drop another level."

He said the Government had announced "at the eleventh hour" that schools would be able to appeal their students' results based on their achievements in mock exams, but the exact process had yet to be announced. He said there were perhaps 35 students at Sutton Valence whose results the school would seek to appeal.

However, most students seemed pleased with their grades.

Lara Savage was the top achiever, collecting 4 A*s.

She said she had "been driven on by my OCD" after getting a clean sweep of 9s (the top grade) in all her GCSEs two years ago.

Her proud parents Mark and Andrea were there to congratulate her.

Her mum is an art teacher at Sutton Valence Prep School. Lara is now off to Cambridge to read veterinary science.

Tom Gray said he was "definitely happy" with his 3As and 1A*. His results will enable him to take up a place to read engineering at Durham, where he will be joined by classmate Noah Swain.

Noah said he was very happy with his 2A*s and 2As, but he would be appealing one result as he scored a higher mark in his mocks.

He said the school had been very supportive during the difficult times.

Libby Cavell from Westwell, near Ashford, achieved 2A*s and 2As.

That was sufficient for her to take up a place to read the liberal arts at Exeter, but she had decided to defer university for a year. She had had an offer of a job that she wanted to take up.

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At Sutton Valence, 82 students were entered for A-levels. Of those, 85% achieved grades A to C, and 13% were at A*.

The pass rate was 98%.

In addition all the students completed the Extended Project Qualification and all passed, with 80% at grades A* or A.

Other outstanding students were Isabella Dransfield and Isabella Eyers who both achieved three A*s and one A grade.

Mr Grindlay said: “This has been a truly testing time for all, but in particular for those denied the opportunity to really prove their worth in their A level examinations.

"The Covid years will be a remarkable chapter in the history books, but we are very proud of the resilience and determination shown by our students and staff throughout."

At Kent College Pembury the school's 42 -level students achieved a 100% pass rate despite the "very different and challenging year."

More than 40% of grades were A* to A and 75% A*- B.

Headmistress Julie Lodrick said: “It is testament to the professionalism of our teaching staff that the majority of our grades were upheld.

"The girls worked incredibly hard right up until March 20 and they deserve to have been awarded such excellent grades.”

Many of the girls are heading to leading Russell Group Universities including Durham, Exeter and Edinburgh.

As a precaution against Covid 19, the students were not invited into school to collect their results today, but instead had them emailed out.

With great foresight, the school had the year-group gather for a photograph just before the school locked-down in March.

The Trust Sixth Form at the Cornwallis Academy in Maidstone said the vast majority of its students had gained the qualifications they needed for entry to their chosen universities, apprenticeships or employment.

The pass rate was 90%, with 25% at grades A*-B.

Joe Sutton, the director of sixth form, said: “With the educational disruption that accompanied the pandemic and the uncertainty faced by all students, I’m incredibly proud of all of our year 13s; their hard work, stoicism and self-belief has paid off, and deservedly so.”

Notable success stories included Bethany Jeffrey, awarded two As and a B grade, who is off to study chemistry at the University of Kent.

Gemma Barkaway with two Bs and a Merit who will study media production at Bournemouth University.

Sophie Brooks who took an A, a B and two Cs and will study law at Canterbury Christchurch University.

Ethan Wood with an A and two Bs; Hope Paice with an A* and two Cs and Megan Murrock with three Bs.

Abigail Stillwell achieved one A* and two Bs and is going to study paramedic science at Canterbury Christchurch University.

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Meanwhile Maidstone Grammar School has announced it is not releasing its results this year due to the "unprecedented and challenging times."

A statement from the school reads: "Due to the unprecedented and challenging times that we have been facing, Maidstone Grammar School is not in a position to share its A-level examination performance.

"The focus of the school is to support its students in receiving their grades and helping them to secure whatever pathway they have chosen.

"The 2020 leavers have experienced extraordinary circumstances, and they deserve our attention in these last few days as fully fledged Maidstonians."

There were no beaming group photos this year at Maidstone Grammar School this morning, instead pupils were sitting anxiously refreshing their phones because UCAS had crashed and some were heading to the computers room to call clearing lines.

Pupils had been queuing since 7 this morning to get their results.

Billy Easby, 18, from Kings Hill, was the first pupil to open his envelope. Although happy with his grades, and heading to Reading to study business and accounting, having secured ABB, the day has not turned out well for some of his friends.

Billy said: "I was relieved at first obviously but I still wasn't sure if I had got into Reading and then UCAS crashed. It's 8.45am now and it's still not working.

"So I rang up the uni and they told me I had got in. So I found out over the phone but I think I am one of the few that are relaxed at this point."

Billy explained that some of his friends had got grades below their mock results.

"Yes they will be able to appeal them and go up again but they are still sitting here stressing about clearing," he said.

The 18-year-old said everyone he knew had received lower grades than the predicted grades they had been given.

"The school would have been more than fair. There are a lot of stressed out faces and a lot of people sorting out clearing now when they didn't expect to be."

There were however, some students happy with their marks. Christopher Hadaway, 18, received four A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. He has received an offer to study natural sciences at Cambridge.

Tariq Sakeer, 18, from Maidstone, received two A* and two As. He will go on to study aero engineering at Bristol.

Tariq said: "I didn't know what to think when I opened my results. I kind of expected something along these lines, because I didn't take the exam there was a bit of pressure taken off."

Benjamin Young, 18, from Leybourne, was checking his phone every few seconds to see if he had been accepted into Cambridge, as the UCAS website wasn't loading.

He received 3 A*s and an A in the same subject as Christopher and Tariq. He admits while the grading system worked for him, is it a nerve-wracking time for those who were expected to get lower grades.

"It has been a lot more stressful for the people who didn't get a chance to prove themselves on the day," he added.

Robert Ferguson, deputy head of the school, said today wasn't a "traditional" A-Level results day, with no huge crowds of people celebrating. Teachers had spent the morning talking to students about their results and options.

"We had huge crowds this morning of very nervous students. They didn't feel in control because they didn't sit the exams. We are really proud of the maturity they've shown.

"Even though many students had great success and are really happy with their results, it's a strange atmosphere today as students read results for exams they didn't take," Mr Ferguson said.

Head teacher, Mark Tomkins, said: "Our focus today is on the students and helping them secure their future. Normal results day are about A*s and Bs and how many students got the grades, but because of the changing goal posts, it's important we are here to support our students."

Speaking about the grading system used, Mr Tomkins, said: "I understand there needs to be a moderation process at government level to address the possible imbalance that school's predicted grades can bring up, but I am upset that a lot of time and energy was put in by staff for these teacher's assessments, but they have been partially overlooked.

"I would have liked the department of education to have trusted more in the professions."

He admitted there were "levels of anxiety" from pupils today, but stressed that teachers were on hand to help pupils.

He added: "Over the last few months I am really proud of what we as a school have achieved and how we have adapted."

At Benenden School almost one third of all grades were awarded A* as pupils once again increased the proportion of A* and A results, up to 64 % this year from 56% in 2019.

Headmistress Samantha Price applauded the achievements of the girls in what she described as "an unprecedented year for all of us" following the cancellation of exams.

She said: "The girls at Benenden have been fantastic. They have dealt with the uncertainty tremendously well and have made full use of the extra time that they suddenly had to expand their knowledge and skills and to help others.

“I have got the utmost respect for the staff and pupils for managing what has been a very uncertain process. Our priority all along has been to do all we can to ensure that the girls gain the outcomes that are fair for them.”

Among the school's top performers were Anna Chan, who achieved five straight A* grades, and Minna Moody-Stuart, who leaves with six A Levels, four at A* and two at A grade. Seven other students achieved at least four A* grades each.

"We are so very proud of our students and all that they have achieved."

Mrs Price said: “The girls have worked incredibly hard over two years towards their A-level results and should be very proud of their achievements. These are very strong results which the girls have thoroughly deserved."

Benenden girls are now off to study at prestigious universities around the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, Durham, Edinburgh, Southern California and Toronto.

Results day at The Hayesbrook School in Tonbridge saw results improve for a fourth year running, with all students completing their sixth form studies at the academy this summer achieving the grades they needed to take up their university, apprenticeship or employment offers.

Executive Principal Daniel Hatley said: "We are so very proud of our students and all that they have achieved - especially after such a difficult experience during the examination season and the concern this will inevitably have caused them when thinking about their next steps.

"The final grades awarded recognise the hard work, commitment and ambition of students, their teachers and their families.

"It has obviously been a very different examination season and I would like to take this chance to thank our students and families for the faith and trust they have placed in us throughout and also the relentless hard work and dedication of all academy staff who continue to be brilliant."

Among the stand-out results were Andrew Cane who achieved a distinction in Business Studies and A grades in A-level maths and medical science, Jack Hodgson with a double distinction* in sport and a B grade in medical science, and Cullum Kruger and Matthew Leeson, who both achieved a distinction* in business studies and a distinction in IT.

All pupils at The Lenham School who took A-levels passed their exams, while the school reports a 91% pass rate at distinction* in vocational subjects.

In A-level English literature 66% of students achieved a grade A*-B.

Head teacher Chris Foreman said: “After an anxious wait in uncertain times we are delighted to be celebrating with our students who were rewarded with the grades they deserve following their hard work over the last two years.”

"This Year 13 cohort has shown remarkable resilience."

Among the year's high achievers was Amy Carter, who achieved a distinction* in BTEC science, distinction in BTEC health and social care at foundation diploma level and a distinction in OCR business.

Francesca Pearce achieved a grade B in A-level English literature, a distinction* in OCR business and a merit in BTEC science, and she will be going to Canterbury Christ Church University to study business management.

Despite today's examination results being made available online, many students at Valley Park School chose to come in person to collect their results, see friends and share their news with teachers.

Staff at the school were delighted to learn 99% of students eligible for university have already finalised their places.

Head teacher Margaret Hutchinson said: “This Year 13 cohort has shown remarkable resilience, persevering even when they heard the news that their exams had been cancelled.

"We were delighted to see so many students back in school today and we have enjoyed wishing them well in their future endeavours.

"We know this year has been tense for students awaiting results, and we will continue to offer support to those who need us throughout their well-deserved summer break.”

The school plans to create a ‘roll of honour’ on its website and, in view of the appeals process, intends to update this as students’ grades change.

Students from Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys are heading for destinations as diverse as Cambridge to do law, history and politics, Oxford for chemistry, Bath for natural sciences Exeter for history and Durham for law, despite the unusual and difficult circumstances.

Head teacher Amanda Simpson said: “We are proud to say that the class of 2020 are the brightest cohort that the school has ever had.

"The Centre Assessed Grades that the school submitted reflect this and are completely underpinned by a rigorous and robust evidence-based process.

"It is terribly disappointing, however, that after five weeks of work to ensure the CAGS awarded to the individual students were fair, evidenced-based and had been submitted with the greatest professional integrity, those outcomes are not reflected in the grades given for a significant proportion

of the students.

"We feel strongly that our students should not be disadvantaged by the unfairness of the standardisation process and methodology used and we are committed to supporting them in challenging what can only be described as an unfair process for a number of our cohort."

"Students are individuals and not numbers on a distribution curve and should be treated as such."

At the school 45% of the students had their teacher-assessed results downgraded, with 11% of those by as much as two grades.

Mrs Simpson said: "To our students I say - you are such an amazing and talented bunch with the resilience and human compassion to make such a positive contribution to society as you go forward.”

The school said it will be appealing a number of results on behalf of the students.

It would also be contacting the local MP Greg Clark to share their concerns about the marking outcome.

Bethany School in Goudhurst maintained its upward trend year-on-year in results, despite the turbulent waters of the Covid pandemic, with the proportion of pupils gaining A* grades at a record high.

Some of the top-performing pupils this year included head of school Jeremy Daubeny from Tunbridge Wells who obtained three A*s and will read politics, philosophy and economics at Exeter.

Other exceptional performers included Eleanor Hardwick from West Malling who achieved 2A*s and an A and will study interior architecture and design at Bournemouth,while Estrella Guo from London, who achieved the same grades, will study costume for the theatre and screen at the University of the Arts in London.

Jack Bartram from Goudhurst, who took 2*s and a B, will study business at Oxford.

In addition, high achievers Jack Brown from Canterbury, Will Craggs from Tenterden and Maia Saad from Fordcombe will study business management at University College London, economics at Loughborough University and contemporary history at Leicester respectively.

Headmaster Francie Healy said: “I am delighted with the resilience and fortitude maintained by the pupils who were deftly supported by our excellent teaching staff.

"This has resulted in record levels of high A level grades which is all the more commendable when one considers our broad ability range.

"Almost all pupils got to their preferred choice of university which in the current climate is a magnificent achievement. I wish them all the very best of luck for the

future.”

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Jack Bartram said: “These past seven years have flown by and I have enjoyed every moment. I will truly miss everyone

and everything about Bethany. Thank you to everyone who made it all possible.”

Over at Hillview School for Girls, in Tonbridge, many pupils were pleased with their results, achieved in, what the school called, “unfamiliar circumstances”.

A spokesman for the school said: “Despite their courses being curtailed and further standardisation by the government, some of our students secured stunning results.

“The moderation processes applied by the government have unsurprisingly brought about a few anomalies in the results and we will be working with individual subjects and students to ensure that every student obtains the grade they deserve. However, we are overwhelmingly proud of our students and staff for what they have achieved this year.”

Elena Martin Meredeen, 18, achieved an A* in English, A* in psychology, A* Spanish and A in drama.

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She said: “I don't really feel like it's real because of everything that’s happened because we haven't been at school for so long.”

She will study Russian and Spanish at Bristol University.

She said: “I was more upset about the fact I was missing the last bits of school and saying goodbye to my friend than I was about doing the exams. There are more important things going on in the world so it's been a lot to take in.”

Imogen Bharucha, 18, got an A* in English language, A in Biology, and A in psychology. She will study ecology conservation at Exeter University.

She said: “It went well for me but I sympathise with those who thought they would have a bit more time to get things right.”

Maisy Fuggle, 18, received a Distinction* in musical theatre, an A in drama and a B in English.

She will go on to a Stratford-Upon-Avon drama company for a year intensive acting course.

She said: “My main worry was English because I was really working hard to try and get my B and I was worried that perhaps I hadn't taken the exam I couldn't have proven I was worthy of it but the exam board thought I was.”

Invicta Grammar School pupils were celebrating high achievements, but for some there was disappointment when their results were downgraded from earlier predictions.

Lily McGuire had to made some last minute changes to her course because of her results.

The 18-year-old said: "I was predicted AAB, I got that in my mocks, and my teachers put the same grades forward but I was given BBB which meant I missed out on my university offer.

"UCAS crashed this morning but when I was able to check it I was rejected from the course I had applied for which was politics and international relations in Manchester.

"Thankfully, I managed to get in on a different course at the same uni so I am happy about that but I worked really hard so I'm not happy with the results."

More than two thirds of all grades were A*, A or B grades this year.

Erin Cocker and Abbie Dixon both achieved three A* grades, while Charlotte Bezant, Marcus Leung, Isabel Philipou, Jenny Protheroe, Amy Thornton, Aimee Ward achieved at least 2 A* and 1 A grades.

Head teacher, Julie Derrick, said: "This year has presented us with challenges and tested our limits but Invicta as a community has approached it with resolve, and overcome it with creativity, determination and above all, a sense of community.

She added: “We have been working hard behind the scenes since yesterday and we’re looking at each case to make sure the grounds for an appeal are correct and we will work with individuals through the process. If a students decide they want to retake an exam, which no doubt will happen in a couple of situations. we will then fully support them in the run up to that.

"The last minute announcement about the mocks has been incredibly hard and frustrating but we have coped all the way through Covid-19 and we will cope again now. I hope it's going to work well. I’m optimistic but I'm going to wait and see because the proof will be in the pudding."

Today the school threw a party for its A-level leavers. It was organised by year 12 senior prefects Donna Doherty, 17, Petra Olutunfesa, 16, who wanted to give their fellow sixth formers a send-off to remember.

Donna said: "For many people the last day of school was going to be the last time they saw their friends. They're going off to different parts of the county so we didn't want to leave on such a sad note.

"We have all grown such a great relationship over the past two years so we thought it would be a great idea to do the get together. The environment is buzzing even though some of them didn't get into the places they wanted, they are still very happy, they have got their fiends, and their hopeful and that's what we hare happy about."

At Aylesford School, all students secured places at their first choice destinations, with 55 % going on apprenticeships and 35% of students securing places at university.

Tanya Kelvie, head teacher, said: “I am very proud of all of our students and what they have achieved and the character they have shown in very challenging times. The staff and myself wish them the very best in their future.”

One pleased pupil was Harry Codling, who is going to study business and marketing at the University of Greenwich.

Harry achieved the equivalent of C grades and above in business, health and social care and science.

Meanwhile, Lucy Chapman is going to the University of Essex to study sports and exercise science. She achieved the equivalent of B grades in science and sport.

Staff at Oakwood Park Grammar School were delighted to see the faces of their Year 13 students, who have not been in school since March, as they came in to collect their results today.

Many pupils will now be moving on to some of the world’s top educational institutions or to join their chosen professions.

Off to Oxford University is Kian Abbott, who will study English at Magdalen College, while future medical careers beckon for Rayed Ansari, Jibin James, Shawn Wambari and Morgan Sands who will study medicine at Sheffield, Cardiff, Leeds and UEA.

Head teacher Kevin Moody said: "It has been an extraordinary situation for our students this year. I am extremely proud of how they have handled it.

"I am delighted that so many students have achieved results that will enable them to proceed to the next stage of their lives."

At St Simon Stock Catholic School four students achieved straights A* and A grades, or equivalent. in three subjects.

"Our students have showed exceptional resilience and determination."

They were Daniel Clayton, who will study mathematics at the University of Bristol, Lucy Dowd, who will study medicine at the University of Brighton, Jesse Fuller, who will study a masters in design engineering at Christ Church University in Canterbury, and Stephanie Jackson, who will study English and American literature at the University of Kent.

Jon Malone, the academy principal, said: "The students achieved these results in the most challenging circumstances, in which at a key point in their studies their normal learning routines were significantly disrupted as schools across the country went in to lockdown.

"In spite of this, our students have showed exceptional resilience and determination, engaging independently with their studies online, and completing their courses, knowing that their summer examinations had been cancelled."

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