Thousands of teenagers across Medway are finding out today if they have made the grade as they pick up their A-level results.

There were tears of joy and disappointment as about 1,500 pupils ripped open their envelopes amid record demand for university places.

Those who have secured the results they were hoping for now face an intense battle to be accepted at university.

University admissions body Ucas experienced a four-fold increase in demand this morning.

The rush was caused by many universities charging students a maximum of £9,000 in annual tuition fees from 2012 - compared with the present level of just more than £3,000 a year.

Among the first pupils to collect their results in Medway were at Fort Pitt Grammar School for Girls, in Pitt Hill, Chatham.

Fiona Young, 18, of Locksley Close, Walderslade, is aiming to study psychology at Oxford University after winning three A*s and an A.

She said: "I'd never thought of applying to Oxford until one of my teachers said I should so I thought I'd give it a go.

"My interview was terrifying. I'm really nervous about the future, but incredibly pleased with my results."

Friends Aston Brand, Mary-Laine Friday and Helen Kinney - all 17 - took their exams a year early as part of an advanced curriculum project.

Aston - who got an A*, two As and a B - said: "I hope to study maths at Cambridge when I finish. I'm a bit of a maths geek so it's something I've wanted to do for a while."

Fort Pitt head teacher Julia Bell said: "I'm over the moon, ecstatic with the success of my pupils - they've all worked really hard and I'm confident of the contribution they'll make to society."

Results in Medway have continued to improve for the past six years, with 77% of students achieving five A* to C grades in GCSEs last year. This year's results will not be calculated until later in the year.

Cllr Les Wicks, Medway Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "I'd like to congratulate all our young people on their achievements and their teachers who have worked so hard to help students fulfil their potential."

Have you picked up your A-level results today? Let us know how you got on by leaving your comments below or emailing medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.

Don't miss Monday's Medway Messenger for full coverage of A-level results and next week's Friday paper for GCSE results.