The wait is over for hundreds of students across Ashford spent this morning collecting their A Level results.

The majority will be heading off to university in a few weeks, while others will look for places through clearing, starting apprenticeships, working full time or travelling.

At Highworth Grammar School, 32 students gained all A*-A grades in their A levels with many of their students going to their chosen university.

Headteacher, Paul Denielsen, said: "There were an exceptional number of performances, I am really pleased the results this year."

Over at Towers school, the students received a 'fantastic' mixture of both A level and BTEC results. Richard Billings, headteacher at the secondary school, said: "We want to congratulate all of our students.

"The hard work and determination that these students have shown is commendable and they should be, as we are, massively proud of their achievements."

At The North School in Essella Road there was a celebratory mood, with balloons and an ice cream van awaiting those who picked up their results.

Head teacher Nicki Hodges said there were standout results in subjects including maths, English literature, photography, sociology and psychology.

She said: "This is a testament to the hard work of the students and staff over the past two years."

Norton Knatchbull School head Susanne Staab said many students have achieved some of the best results in the country.

She is awaiting the full picture to emerge of where the grammar school has finished in relation to the rest of the country.

Among some of those celebrating was Rebekah Jones, who secured two A grades and a B grade. She now hopes to study classics at St Andrew's University.

The principal of The John Wallis Academy, John McParland, said: “I am very proud of our students and how they have adapted to the challenges in this year’s examinations.

"I wish our students every success and happiness in the next phase of their educational career.”

While, over in Tenterden, Sally Lees, the principal at Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre, said: "I’m feeling really pleased, lots and lots of happy faces, lots of smiles and some tears of joy which is always good.

"Today is all about the individual students getting what they need to take the next step in their journey and so far what we've seen is really good news."

Students will also be pleased to hear that they can collect a free Nando's as part of their celebrations.

The Portuguese restaurant is giving away free quarter chickens or starters for students who have picked up their A level results - all you need is your result paper and photo I.D.

For full A level coverage and photos pick up your copy of next week's Kentish Express, out Thursday, August 24.