HARD work has paid off for schools in the area - leading to improved A-level results.

In Kent, the number of pupils achieving two or more A to E grades increased by a further one per cent on the previous year, to 93 per cent.

Leigh City Technology College saw students achieve a 92-per-cent pass rate for grades A to E and 49 per cent for grades A to C.

The school in Green Street Green Road, Dartford, saw English, media, PE and technology students among the most successful.

Headteacher Frank Green said: "The A-level results this year were among the best ever and I am delighted with the students.

"They are particularly impressive since our students have coped with the disruption of moving buildings in the middle of year and coping with the new surroundings."

Dartford Grammar School, in West Hill, had a pass rate of 99.4 per cent, with 64 per cent gaining grades A or B or the International Diploma equivalent.

Headteacher John Oakes said: "I am very pleased with the results.

"Every student gained qualifications which would gain entry to university, with most going on to top institutions.

"Nineteen will be entering medical schools this summer."

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, Parsons Lane, Dartford, achieved a 96-per-cent pass rate.

Headteacher Maggie Bolton said: "I am delighted our students have achieved so well again this year, which is a reflection of their hard work.

"The school's overall pass rate has been maintained but the percentage of the top A/B grades is significantly up and is a school record."

More than half of the students - 51.2 per cent - at Gravesend Grammar School for Girls, in Pelham Road, got A and B grades. This was up from 48 per cent last year.

Assistant headteacher Mike Holmes said this was down to the hard work of the students and staff.

Cobham Hall School, near Cobham Village, enjoyed a 100-per-cent pass rate.

Headteacher Helen Davy said: "I am delighted with the results in the so-called hard A Level subjects, which have enabled students to gain places at top universities and colleges including Leeds, Warwick and the University College of London."

Kent County Council cabinet member for children, families and education Councillor Chris Wells said: "I'm pleased with the continued upward trend, which bodes well for the future.

"It's interesting to see a focus on quality over quantity this year, something I wholeheartedly support and welcome."

The national A-level pass rate this year was 97.2 per cent, up from 96.9 per cent last year.