Of the schools that have reported their figures so far, the percentage of students achieving two or more A* to E grades is 94.7% and the average points score per student is set to increase as well. (More information will be released on Friday 19 August).

So far, 19 schools have had 100 percent of students gaining two or more A-levels this year. A number of schools have seen some great gains. The percentage of young people achieving two or more A* to E grades at The Towers in Ashford has jumped more than 17% to 98%.

Dartford Grammar School for Girls is celebrating outstanding A-level results. Thirty four students gained three or more A*/A grades, and more than half of them achieved at least one A*/A grade. Over on the Isle of Sheppey, 99% of academy students achieved A* to E grades.

A number of schools are celebrating an increase in the average point score per student – this is where points are allocated to particular grades. Swadelands School in Maidstone have increased their average point score per student by 209.5 points (equivalent to a C grade). Also in Maidstone, Valley Park School has reported a 100 point rise per student and Barton Court (Canterbury) went up by 99 points from 962 to 1,061.

Mike Whiting, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education, Learning and Skills, said: “This is a day to celebrate the success of our young people. I am very encouraged by the results we have had in so far. Nationally, it appears that results are roughly in line with last year, while in Kent the results I have seen indicate a continuing improvement with more passes and better grades than last year.

"From across Kent’s mix of academies and maintained schools, the picture is looking promising. Of course exam results are a mark of how well a school, its head and staff has done. More importantly, they are a measure of the effort put in by the pupils of Kent, with more of them getting the results they need to take their next step in life, be that into the world of work, training, university or further education.

"Life is competitive, and by achieving such great results the students in Kent are well equipped to fulfil their potential."

Mr Whiting visited students at Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone on the day. The school saw 65% of entries graded A* to B – a rise of 7% on last year.

Principal William Wright said: “We are very pleased with this year’s results – it is a real testament to our students. Over the past three years we have changed the way the school is managed and that is helping to bring about improvements.”

Student Matt Hobbs, 17, will be going to the University of Exeter to study psychology after gaining three A*s, an A and a B. He said: “It was a lot of hard work but really worth it.”

Mark Howard, 19, retook his final year at the school and gained an A and two Bs. He said: “I am going to the University of Surrey. I am really pleased with the result. I decided to retake my last year so I could get into a good university. It was really worth the extra work.”

Advice and options

For those who need it, help is at hand. Students can get free impartial and confidential advice, guidance and support about exam results and future options from Connexions Kent. To find your nearest centre, telephone 0800 432 0207 or visit www.connexionskent.co.uk.

Key Training Services, part of KCC, offers opportunities to gain a nationally recognised qualification, have hands on experience in the workplace and earn a wage. Apprenticeship schemes are available throughout the county in a range of careers and can start at any time in the year. The freephone number for Key Training Services is 0800 731 4297.

Anyone who needs help with clearing or has a query about their university application should contact UCAS on 0871 468 0 468 or log on to www.ucas.ac.uk