Picking up GCSE results is a massive moment in anyone's education – and thousands of youngsters have been going through it this morning.

The new-look exams have new-style grades, with the 9 to 1 numbering system used for English and maths last year rolled out to virtually all subjects.

For the uninitiated, a 9 is the equivalent of an A**, while a 4 is a standard pass, or an old-style C.

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At Borden Grammar School, Josh White took home two 9s in maths and English literature, three 8s, four 7s and an A in further maths.

He said: "I was shocked when I opened them, I didn't expect that. I'm quite harsh on myself but I'm very happy with the results."

And Leroy Boateng achieved three 9s, including chemistry, six 8s and a 7. He plans to study Spanish and English at A-level.

"I'm glad that it is done and out of the way," he said.

Head teacher Jonathan Hopkins said: “Without doubt the new GCSE exams show signs of being far tougher but for the overwhelming majority of our students it is a day of celebration and success," he said.

"Early indicators suggest that the proportion of students gaining the new 9-4 grades is very similar to previous years but it is more difficult to secure grades 7-9 due to the reduction in coursework across the subject range.”

It was another year of positive results at Highsted Grammar School, with Year 11s achieving some of the best grades the school has had – with 53% of all results at grades 9-7.

While nationally only 2% of grades are expected to be awarded a grade 9, 11% of all Highsted’s GCSEs were graded at the top grade.

Assistant head teacher Tiernan-Powell said: "The pupils have clearly responded with exceptional commitment, evident in one third of grades being awarded a grade 8 or 9.

"It is particularly pleasing to see 21 pupils gain at least 10 Grade 7s or above, which is a new record for the school.

"These exceptional performances are from Tami Alhassan, Olivia Auston, Gabija Barkute, Hannah Blacklock, Louisa Briggs, Orion Corder, Libby Francis, Holly Ibrahim, Phebe Ijaduola, Elena Jury, Elaina Mason, Shannon Pardoe, Rebecca Scholefield, Ibukunoluwa Shangobiyi, Tierney Sharp, Ella Thorpe, Charlotte Todd, Bethany Tremain, Ella Waghorn and Lucy Whiskin."

She added: "We are absolutely delighted by these results and are full of admiration and pride for our pupils – they thoroughly deserve this considerable level of success.

"The pupils, with the support of their parents, have worked exceptionally hard to achieve these results and the efforts of staff cannot be understated. The whole school community is understandably delighted."

Fulston Manor pupils are celebrating another very good set of GCSE results, despite the increased difficulty of the new exams.

The percentage of pupils achieving five or more passes at 4 or above including English and maths is slightly higher than last year, with the percentage achieving higher grades rising by 9%.

Among the top achievers was Katherine Halsall (three 9s, three 8s, two 7s, one 6, one 5) and Ellie Rogers (one 9, three 8s, one A, two 7s, three 6s).

Head teacher Alan Brookes said: “It has been another challenging year for both staff and students, particularly those embarking on the new-style qualifications, and everyone involved deserves great credit for what has been accomplished."

Nervous pupils gathered at Sheppey’s Oasis Academy to find out their GCSE results this morning.

Of the 222 students who sat GCSEs, 61 achieved 5 standard passes and 71 achieved 9 to 4 in both English and Maths.

Francesca Garcia and Jaimee Hicks, both 16, were pleased with their results.

Francesca got one 8, two 6s, two 5s and two 4s, while Jaimee achieved two 6s, two 5s, three 4s and a C in Business.

Francesca said: "I am really pleased. I was just thinking the worst, so I am so happy with them.

"The exams were very very hard and it took a lot of revision, but it paid off."

She will now stay at the academy's sixth form to study English literature, law and psychology at A-level.

Meanwhile, Emilyjane Lucas got a Distinction* in dance.

The 16-year-old also got two 7s, two 6s, two 5s, one 4 and a B in Business.

Other top achievers were Kye Simpson, who got an 8 in maths and a 7 in English, and Klaudia Machala, who got 7s in both English language and English literature, and two 6s in science. George Denver and Kian Trainor both got 8s in English.

Principal Tina Lee said: "Students have achieved well at the academy this year.

"A huge well done and many congratulations to those who have worked incredibly well, achieving beyond expectations and targets – for these students in particular we are really pleased and very proud."

She added: "The academy has maintained a secure set of results with the students in this year, with very many subjects embarking on the new examination 9-1 courses.

"We are very pleased with the growth in maths and some exceptional whole subject results in photography, dance, hair and beauty, construction and drama.

"The academy understands the employment and economic opportunities for young people on Sheppey and in Swale and is now providing a wider sixth form offer to cater better for needs and destinations.

"I would like to thank all of the teaching staff and academy leaders who have worked tirelessly this year. The results demonstrate the strength and stability, that provide an excellent base to progress from in the year ahead and in future years.”

Westlands pupils were also picking up their results.

Jack Walker took home two 7s, one 8 and a 9/8 in combined science.

He said: "I'm pleased the hard work has paid off. I'm staying on at sixth form to study science, maths and media. I want to work in sports science."

Meanwhile Gemma Dowsett scooped some top grades in history, maths and sociology.

WATCH: Emily Lyall from Westlands talks about her results

She said: "I've accomplished more than I thought I would. I got an 8 in history and it was my best result and I thought I was going to fail it."

Head girl, Emily Lyall, walked away with one 9, two 8s, three 7s, one 6 and an A in media.

She said: "I'm really happy. I've put in a lot of work, every single lunchtime I went to geography.

"I've put in a lot of work.

"I really liked being head girl, as well. It helped with my confidence."

Twins Kelsey and Bethany Pagett, who live on Sheppey, were also pleased with their results.

Bethany walked away with one 6, four 5s, four Bs and one C, while Kelsey got two 5s, three 4s, a Merit in hairdressing and a Distinction* in performing arts.

Sittingbourne Community College is celebrating another year of improving results.

Out of the 200 pupils who sat exams, 120 of them came away with a grade 4 or above in English and 107 for maths, with 90 passing both.

Courtney Carpenter, who got two 9s for English and high grades across all subjects, said: "I can’t believe it. I’m so happy. I’ll be continuing at SCC to study English literature, art and history."

Yvette Peden, head of school, said: "We are pleased with the results, particularly those of the students who achieved the highest grades for the first time.

"As a school, we shall build on these positive results and successfully prepare our students for the 21st century world."

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