Kent students receive A-level results

Thousands of students in Kent have been getting their A-levels results, as record numbers across the UK made it into their first choice of university.

In Kent, 27.2% of results achieved an A* or A, which is slightly lower than the national average for England - while 77.1% of results were a grade C or above.

Triplets Scarlett, Grace and Tabby Taylor, who studied at Canterbury Academy, have successfully made their firm choices, with Scarlett heading off to Oxford to study geography, Grace to do history and politics at Sussex University and Tabby to pursue dance at Bath Spa University.

The triplets say they are ecstatic for themselves and for each other.

Lucy Howard, from Gravesend, told BBC Radio Kent: "I've got the grades I need to go to my first choice which is Oxford Brookes University.

"I've studied really hard and I am now looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer."

Lewis Brookes from Gravesend dropped out of his courses midway through Year 13.

He admitted that "sixth form wasn't the one for me" but he says he is currently employed and learning through that instead.

He added: "I'm applying for apprenticeships in the construction industry and am confident in my future."

Friends Esha Summan, Amy Gaymer, Jasmine Dhiman, Grace Daniels who all went to St George's Church of England School in Gravesend say they have all got the results they need to get to their first choice universities.

Jasmine said: "The studying was pretty hardcore as after every lesson you had to do something.

"I'm now off to study architecture at Kent so I'm very pleased."

Will Clothier, Charlie Bruce, Jude McGreevy, Liam Mordue, Albert Sinclair and Dylan Stalley also from St George's got a mixed bag of results but have all achieved what they needed.

Liam says: "I'm taking up an apprenticeship in air conditioning so didn't really need the grades but I'm proud to pass."

Will added: "I've done better than I expected and have got into the university I wanted but I may now go through clearing to go somewhere else.

"A-Levels are such a big learning gap to GCSE's so I'm pleased to get them done."

For students who did not get what there were hoping for there are still plenty of options:

• Check Ucas: If you only just miss out on the grades you need, the admissions office might accept you anyway. They may also offer you a place on a different course
• Clearing: If you've missed out on your firm or insurance university choices, you can apply through clearing - which is where universities and colleges list unfilled course places. There will also be a clearing portal for apprenticeships opening later this year
• Get your paper checked: If you missed out on your grade by just a few marks, you might want to consider getting the paper remarked
• Take a year out: You might decide to retake a subject, or reapply for the same course next year in the hope that it's less subscribed. For both these options, a year out can be productive and gives you the chance to work or travel too
• Speak to your school: It's always good to check in with your teachers too, they'll have lots of advice about what steps to take

The chief executive of the Universities and College Admission Service (Ucas) Jo Saxton says there will be a record number of new engineers this year.

Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme, she says there are 35,000 students going on to study engineering at university, which is up 14% compared to last year.

Saxton says around 27,000 courses are available through clearing and there is a "huge amount of choice" including subjects such as maths, music and engineering.

Saxton tells students they can "absolutely still go to university in the autumn", even if they did not quite get the grades they were hoping for.

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