There were mixed emotions as thousands of students across Medway found out their eagerly-awaited A-level results today.

For the first time the exams have been set under newly published rules designed to stop the number of teenagers gaining top grades from going up year after year.

But despite the new regime, secondary schools throughout Medway were celebrating record results with the number A* and A grades set to soar.

For many students, their results could lead to a place at university, college, training or employment

But with university tuition fees increasing to up to £9,000 a year, it has been predicted that there will be an increase in the number of candidates opting for an apprenticeships this year.

Among those schools which fared well was the Bishop of Rochester Academy in Chatham, which had a turbulent first year.

Principal Colin Boxall said: "Our sixth form students have worked very hard to achieve some pleasing results. We would like to congratulate them and thank the parents for supporting and encouraging them to get beyond their expectations.

Yathukulan Maheswaran was grinning from ear to ear after picking up his results.

The Rainham Mark Grammar School head boy, of Houghton Avenue, Hempstead, was predicted A* grades and As by his teachers and he delivered, managing to get three A* grades and two As.

He will start a course in medicine at Imperial College in London this September, something the 18-year-old said he has always wanted to do.

Yathukulan, whose family is from Sri Lanka, said: "I’m so unbelievably happy. We’ve been working for this for so long. I was pacing my room this morning."

MidKent College recorded an overall 5% improvement on 2010/11 results. Acting principal Sue McLeod said they had achieved their best ever results.

Help and advice for pupils is available from tutors and Medway Connexions at Medway Youth Trust, which will open its offices in New Road, Chatham, this Saturday and next Saturday between 10am and 1pm, plus the service at 24 High Street, Gillingham, open 10am-2pm every Saturday.

Don't miss our four-page A-level results special in tomorrow's Medway Messenger.