Pupils in 42 schools in the county are still awaiting some of their SATs results.

The exam results published on Tuesday showed an increase in pass rates for English and Maths, although Kent is still behind the national average.

But of the 409 schools that were eligible for SATs this year, 42 still have some results missing.

KCC cabinet member for education standards, Cllr Chris Wells, said: "There is no pattern to it – there are a few missing here and there, scattered over a few schools.

"It isn’t any pupils or subjects in particular - but we are confident that we have enough information here to make a good statistical average."

But Cllr Wells urged anxious 11-year-olds who have not yet received their grades not to panic.

"My message would be: smile, enjoy the beach, and let the adults worry about it.

"Any 11-year-old waiting for results should be reassured that these things happen, it’s not ideal or great, but worrying about it won’t help and they should enjoy their time off. They’ve earned it and should enjoy it."

The results for Kent so far show an overall improvement: