THERE were tears and smiles across the district as hundreds of pupils opened A and AS-level results last week.

The Herald visited all six of Shepway's secondary schools to talk to students and teachers on Thursday.

The Harvey Grammar celebrated its best ever performance, achieving a 100 per cent pass rate, with 59 per cent of pupils' grades at A* to B.

Senior vice principal Scott Norman said: "I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of our boys and staff has been rewarded with such an outstanding performance.

"To have achieved our best ever set of results, including a significant number of the new A* grades, is a fantastic achievement and especially pleasing at a time when places in higher education are becoming more competitive."

The A* grade was awarded for the first time this year across the country, to test bright students and help universities judge the best candidates.

Pent Valley Technology College also recorded its best-ever results, with an A-level pass rate of 91 per cent.

Laurence Jordan gained the school's first A*, in Art, Design and Graphics.

All 30 pupils who applied for universities from Pent Valley are expected to take their places this academic year.

Folkestone School for Girls pupils achieved a 95.86 per cent pass rate.

Of that, 24 per cent were A grades and seven per cent A*.

At the Folkestone Academy, the number of students taking an A level or BTEC Level 3 was twice as high as in 2009.

The pass rate for A levels was 91 per cent, with 27 per cent achieving As.

Principal Sean Heslop said: "I'm delighted.

"This represents another landmark by the students and congratulations are due to them and the members of staff who have been involved in preparing them.

"I'm particularly pleased with our continued success in getting students to university, especially as a new sixth form with only our second set of results.

"Nationally, it is becoming much harder to gain those sought-after places. Our success rate reflects the excellent support and guidance our sixth form offers."

The Towers School in Ashford achieved a 92 per cent pass rate, with 88 per cent earning two or more A to E grades.