Charlotte Bradbrook is 'ecstatic' with her results

Students across the borough have collect their A-level results much to the relief of many who welcomed the contentious move to include an A* bracket in the grade syste.

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Thousands of college and school students received their grades on Thursday and, across the county, the percentage of those attaining two or more A* to E passes, increased by 2.1 percent since last year, at 93.5 per cent, with hundreds achieving the new top grade of A*.

In north Kent, James Hudson, 18, of Tredegar Road, Wilmington, got a double A* in Applied Business, an A in History and a B in Literature from the Leigh Technology Academy in Princes Road in Dartford.

He said: “The fact that this is the first year they’re doing A* is great. I want to be one of the first people who got one.

“It needs to be there as there is a lot of criticism that A Levels are getting easier, so the A* is definitely a good way of differentiating yourself.”

The 18-year-old, who was accepted on an English degree at the University of Exeter, added: “I wasn’t that bothered about getting A* initially, but when I found out I was close to it, I just wanted to go that extra mile and get it.”

His friend Ami Underhill, 18, of Priory Road, Dartford, got a double A* in Drama, an A in History and a B in Literature. She said: “I’m really happy with my grades - especially my A* in drama. I worked really hard for this, there is so much stress, but it was worth it.”

Staff and students at Cobham Hall celebrated excellent results, which are believed to be some of their best ever.

Students achieved a pass rate of 68 per cent at A* to B, with 14 per cent at the new A* grade.

Despite record high pass marks of 97.6 per cent, there is a fierce battle for university places, which are taking on fewer students as government funding for higher education is dramatically slashed.

Around 170,000 nationwide are predicted to miss out on a place on a degree course this autumn after applications surged to another record high this summer.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “The A* grade represents genuine top-level attainment. The most competitive universities have long wanted to differentiate between top performing students. The previous Government introduced the A* to help them do this. It is now down to universities to decide how they use it.”

Students can get free, impartial and confidential advice and support about exam results and future options from Connexions Kent and Medway. Call 0800 432 0207 or visit www.connexionskentandmedway.co.uk.