Pupils across the Towns have been receiving their GCSE results today.

It's been a nervous wait for youngsters who have had to deal with two years of interrupted schooling due to the pandemic.

They've endured months of home schooling and, after exams were cancelled, they are once again relying on teachers' assessment to determine their grades.

At Chatham's Holcombe Grammar School, more than 40% received a 7-9 in art, photography, biology, business studies, chemistry, computer science, design technology, English language, French, geography, maths, media studies, music, physical education, physics, religious studies and Spanish.

Several pupils received 9s in several subjects, including Faizaan Ahmed in English language and English literature, maths, biology, chemistry, French, geography, business studies and design technology.

Markus Sadler achieved top marks in English language and English literature, mathematics, combined science, computer science, French and music.

Hatham Trabelsi did in English language and English literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, art and business studies.

Tariq Rahman in maths, chemistry, geography, business studies, religious studies and 8s in biology and chemistry.

Harry Sidebottom achieved 9s in English language and English literature, chemistry, physics and business studies and 8s in maths, biology, history and music.

Matthew Cross got 9s in English language and English literature, mathematics, chemistry and physical education and 8s in physics and business studies.

There were 9s in English language and English literature, geography and physics for Cameron Reader and 8s in maths, chemistry, Spanish and business studies.

James Dunn got 9s in English language and English literature, computer science and art and 8s in maths, biology, chemistry, physics and business studies.

Head teacher Lee Preston said: “I am incredibly proud of all of our students. They have worked so hard and faced all the challenges of the pandemic in their stride. To see them receive the grades they deserve today and be able to progress onto their next steps, for the majority into our sixth form, is fantastic."

Rochester Grammar School saw success in subjects including biology, chemistry, art and religious studies, while physical education saw 100% of learners achieve a grade 7 or higher.

Kayleigh Shaw achieved 12 grade 9s and a Cambridge National D2* while Jessica Rooke got 11 grade 9s, an A grade in AS film studies and a Cambridge National D2*.

Ivy Rushforth achieved 10 grade 9s and Naveen Kaur and Naomi Olalere both got nine grade 9s.

Head teacher Clare Brinklow said: “I am incredibly proud. They have worked so hard over the last two years and faced all the challenges of the pandemic in their stride. To see them receive the grades they deserve is fantastic."

At the Will Adams Centre in Gillingham, two youngsters in particular have had their hard work recognised.

Levi Griffiths arrived late during the first lockdown and has secured eight qualifications in less than a year, including a seven in English.

Kyle Jenkins gained 12 qualifications including four GCSEs and five level two awards.

The teenagers, who are moving on to college in September, were involved in achieving the UNICEF gold award and the Morpheus project with IdeasTest.

At Greenacres Academy in Chatham, 132 candidates took GCSEs with 60% of them being graded 4-9.

It saw a rise in higher grades in chemistry, physics and biology as well as architecture level 2 course.

The best performing students included: Taiwo Ogunseitan who got 9s in biology and chemistry, an 8 in physics and 7s in English language, maths and computer science; Daniel Olatunde, 8s in English language and literature, maths and geography, grades 8-7 in science, a 7 in computer science, a distinction* in sport and distinction in engineering.

Also doing extremely well were Reece Horwell – 8s in maths and geography, 7s in English literature, a 7-6 in science and a distinction* is Sport; Adam Cordier – 8s in English language, literature and maths and a 7 in history; Joseph Chesney – 7s in English language, literature, maths, science and computer science.

Head teacher Shelly Bridger said: “Our students hard work and the grading process by staff has helped them to secure the most accurate grades, enabling them to take their next steps.

"Many of our students will return to us for PGW Sixth form and we wish continued success to those who are moving on to colleges, other sixth forms or apprenticeships.”

At Walderslade Girls' School, 153 youngsters took GCSEs with 58% of achieving grades 9-4.

Shailu Kumarasuriyam got 9s in chemistry and physics, 8s in biology and maths, 7s in English literature and geography, 5s in English literature and art and a distinction in health and social care.

Ioana Necula achieved 9s in philosophy and ethics, an 8 in French, 7sin English language, literature, maths and history, 6-6 in double science and a distinction* in sport and fitness.

Emily Walker got a 9 in history and double award science, 7s in English language, literature and maths, 6 in art, a merit in music and a pass in Child development.

For Olivia Townsend, there were 8s in food technology, business and geography, a 7 in Maths, 6 in English literature, 5 in English language, double award science and distinction in child development.

Abigail Akyuz walked away with 9s in biology, chemistry and physics, a 7 in maths, 5s in English literature, history, philosophy and ethics, a 4 in English language and a pass in health and social care.

Head teacher Ewa Eddy said: "I am immensely proud of all our students who have faced a multitude of challenges over the last two years whilst studying for their GCSEs. They have shown resilience and perseverance and deserve all their successes. I am certain they have bright futures ahead of them."

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