Just a week after A-level students collected their results, it's now time for GCSEs.

Pupils in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh will be heading into school this morning to find out how they did in their exams.

But it's not just GCSE results which are out today - those who chose BTEC options will also be picking up that important envelope.

These young people will then begin a new chapter of their lives, either at sixth form, college or a work training scheme.

Numbered grading system

More GCSE subjects are being graded using the number system this year, with 9 being the top score and 1 the lowest.

This has been phased in since 2017 to replace the previous A* to G grades.

Starting with English and maths, the new number system is now being used for almost all GCSE subjects.

The Folkestone School for Girls

The grammar school is celebrating after receiving the best GCSE results in the school's recent history, according to Mark Lester - who has just finished his first year as principal.

Around 40% of pupils received grade 7 or above in their GCSE subjects.

"The school has always been at the top of the league table, but the girls have made stunning progress this year", he said.

"We are really happy with the fantastic results. This is the best set of results this school has achieved in recent years."

Listen to Principal Mark Lester

One of the top performing pupils is Eleanor Priestly, from Elham, who, despite falling ill over the exam season, secured top GCSE grades.

The 16-year-old, who achieved three 9s, four 8s and one 6, said: "I am really pleased with my results. Throughout my exams I was really ill and suffered from chronic fatigue.

"I would like to study A-levels in English Literature. Biology and Chemistry."

Natalie Chwalibogowski, of Stoddart Road, Cheriton, says she is "over the moon" after receiving five 9s, one 7 and one 6 across subjects including English, Maths and Geography.

"Staying up until midnight most nights made it worth it.

"I'm looking forward to coming back here for sixth form and hopefully I can go to university afterwards."

The Harvey Grammar School

The Harvey Grammar School, off Cheriton Road, reported excellent GCSE results this morning.

Of all their results, 41% were at Level 7 and above.

Head teacher Scott Norman said: "I am delighted to see the hard work of our students and staff results in excellent GCSE outcomes once again.

"It brings enormous pleasure to both myself and all our staff to see so many individuals receive outstanding results that set them on a solid foundation for their post 16 study with us.”

High achievers included Alistair Carney, who got six 9s, two 8s, one 7 and one 6 plus a BTEC, Seyed Tarjomani who was awarded four 9s, three 8s, a 7, two 6s and a BTEC, and Alfie Munn who achieved six 9s, two 8s and a BTEC.

Student George Heath did exceptionally well - achieving nine 9s. They were in English, maths, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, French, geography and history.

In addition he also got a 7 in English literature and a distinction in BTEC sport.

Thomas Wood achieved 9s in English, biology, physics, economics, geography and history, plus an 8 in English literature, maths and chemistry, as well as a 7 in French along with a distinction* in BTEC sport.

Connor Ravenhall, 16, who aspires to be an electrician, was awarded a 9 in physics, 8s in maths, chemistry and biology, a 7 in English language and a 6 in English literature, plus a BTEC in sport.

He now plans to study physics and business at A Level.

Vaibhav Vinod said he was happy after being awarded 9s in all three sciences. He also got 7s in English language, maths and psyhcology and 6s in English literature and computer sciences.

The 16-year-old now wants to study psychology, biology and chemistry at A Level.

Cohen Double achieved a 6 in English and history plus a distinction* in business. He said: "I'm feeling positive. I didn't expect the 6 in English. I now want to study business and politics at A Level."

George Dickenson achieved seven 9s, in addition to an 8 in French and history, a 6 in drama and a distinction* in BTEC sport.

Folkestone Academy

It was a busy morning at Folkestone Academy, part of the Turners Schools, as excited students collected their results.

Principal for secondary Wesley Carroll said he was really pleased, adding they had seen good improvements across English and maths, and science too.

Talented Luke Martin, 16, was delighted after achieving a distinction* for his level 2 BTEC in music - the highest grade you can get.

The grade was a brilliant achievement after the course was changed halfway through the year - meaning those on it fitted a two year course into one.

Luke, who plays guitar and piano and sings, said: "I'm really chuffed.

"I thought I'd fail maths, but passed it so I'm over the moon."

Lily Godfrey, 16, also achieved a distinction* in music and wants to study the subject along with sociology and politics at the academy.

Lily was also awarded a 5 in English and a 4 in science and was pleased to have passed maths. She said she would celebrate with a McDonald's.

Oliver Jeffery, who plays rugby, achieved a distinction in business and a distinction* in sport. He also received 77 in combined science, a 6 in geography, a 7 in maths and a 7 in English literature.

He said: "I'm really pleased. Geography was the hardest exam I'd say and I'm happy with my English lit result."

Listen to student Luke Martin

Brockhill Park Performing Arts College

Staff and pupils are celebrating some of their best results to date, as 70% of students received a 4 (pass) or above in English Literature or English Language.

More than half of pupils received a 4 or above in both English and Maths.

Principal Sonette Schwartz said: “We got some of the best results we have ever had and we are delighted for our students.

“Families and teachers play a crucial role in the success of this school.

“The governors and I would like to thank our parents for their support and our teachers for their unstinting dedication to our students.”

Alfie Dew is off to study A-level Computer Science, Maths, Physics and Geography at the Simon Langton Grammar School in Canterbury this September after achieved top grades in his GCSEs.

He received a 9 in Religious Education, 8s in English Literature, Maths, Chemistry and Physics and 7s in English Language and Geography.

Maddison Hammersley, from Hythe, will go on to study Animal Management at Canterbury College after achieving a Distinction* in Animal Care.

“I’ve done really well, I was quite surprised, said the 16-year-old.

“I passed Maths and Science. I got a 5 in English Literature, a 4 in English Language and a Distinction* in Animal Care.”

Lily Smith received 7s in Dance, Drama and English Literature and plans to continue her studies at the sixth form as she “loves the family feel” of the school.

Emma Jo will be on kmfm's The Hit List from 7pm tonight for a special GCSE Results Surgery.

Students from Canterbury College and Broadstairs College, as well as experts and careers advisers will be discussing what options are available to those picking up their results today.

To see how pupils in other parts of Kent did, head to our county-wide live blog

News from our universities, local primary and secondary schools including Ofsted inspections and league tables can be found here

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone