PUPILS across the district were celebrating – and commiserating – after the A-level results were published last Thursday.

Anxious youngsters flocked to school on an overcast morning to discover how they got on, with many knowing the outcome of this year's exams would decide whether they would be going on to the university of their choice.

Dover Grammar School for Girls and Sir Roger Manwood's in Sandwich led the way. Both were among 29 Kent schools where 100 per cent of students achieved two or more A* to E passes.

Girls' grammar head teacher Judith Carlisle said: "The students have achieved exceptional results.

"Our aim is for students to achieve grades that will take them to the university or career of their choice and we are delighted to see such high levels of success."

Astor College for the Performing Arts in Dover is celebrating a 92 per cent pass rate.

There were also individual successes, with many students gaining grades to take them on to the next step in their education.

At St Edmund's Catholic School in Dover, where results improved on last year, performing arts pupil Carrie Marsden achieved three A and two B grades. She is now heading off to drama school in London.

Archers Court head boy Richard Brooks was also celebrating after his haul of three A levels secured a place to read politics at the University of Hull.

At Dover College, headmaster Stephen Jones said: "We are delighted with our 100 per cent pass rate but it has to be noted that the 74 per cent A to C result is excellent for a non-selective school such as Dover College."

Meanwhile in Deal, pupils at Walmer Castle Sixth Form College received their first set of results.

Andrew Milliken, director of the sixth form created by merging post-16 education at Castle Community College and Walmer Science College, said: "I am delighted to see the success that students are enjoying."

This was the first year in which A* grades were awarded. It is hoped this will make it easier for universities to pick more able pupils.

Across the county the number of students gaining two or more A* to E grades was up 2.1 per cent on last year to 93.5 per cent.

KCC Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education Jenny Whittle said: "Yet again Kent's A-level students have pulled out all the stops to gain some excellent results. I congratulate them all for their achievements.