Classroom standards in Kent schools have dipped in 2014, according to official secondary league tables published by the Department for Education.

The fall comes after several years in which GCSE results have improved, but are thought to be connected to government reforms that have changed the way results are calculated.

According to the data, 58 per cent of pupils in Kent schools achieved five or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C including English and maths - the government’s preferred indicator.

Last year, the rate was 63%.

Dartford Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School for Girls saw 99 per cent and 98 per cent of pupils achieve five A* to C grades respectively.

Only 50 per cent of Dartford Science and Technology College achieved the same.

98 per cent of pupils at Gravesend Grammar School achieved five A* to C grades.