Students across Kent receive their GCSE results

Marcel described the moment of opening the envelope with his friends as a "good, bonding feeling"

Students across Kent are receiving their GCSE, BTec, Tech Awards and other Level 2 results.

According to Ofqual, 68% of results in Kent were at 4/C and above. The national GCSE pass rate was 67.4%.

Marcel told the BBC that throughout his exam year he was very unwell with encephalitis, a serious brain disease, and was out of school for almost five months.

He said he was "preparing [his] parents for the worst" but that with "hard revision and really playing catch-up" he was really pleased with his results.

Students were able to collect their results from 08:00 BST

Sam Atkinson, assistant headteacher of St John's Catholic School in Gravesend, said: "It's wonderful to be able to see all the students, the tears of joy, the celebrations that represent all the hard work.

"As a school we are over the moon, we're really happy."

Councillor Beverley Fordham, cabinet member for education and skills at Kent County Council (KCC), said: "There's lots on offer for those that need that extra support and need a different pathway."

Ms Fordham said KCC has launched a clearing hub for students who are looking at their options.

Sam Atkinson is assistant headteacher at St John's Catholic School in Gravesend

Judyta, a student at St John's Catholic School, opened her results live on BBC Radio Kent and said a lot of work had gone into getting her results, including "lots of late nights".

Students have been collecting their results in person from 08:00 BST.

GCSEs in England are graded using a numerical system from 9-1, with a 4 being a standard pass and an 8 being equivalent to an A*.

Students must stay in full-time education, start an apprenticeship or work while studying until they are 18.

If students don't achieve a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and maths, they will continue to study these subjects until they are 18.