Check how your school has fared now wait is over for pupils across Cumbria picking up GCSE results

Hundreds have already made their way to school to pick up their envelopes.

Heather Ferguson, a pupil at Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton , was pleased with her seven 7s, two 6s and one 5.

"I'm ecstatic. I was only predicted 4s and 5s and have done so much better," she said.

Under the biggest shake-up of exams in England for a generation, GCSEs have been toughened up, and traditional A*-G grades scrapped and replaced with a 9-1 system, with 9 the highest grade.

New number grades were awarded for the first time last year in Maths and English.

This year pupils will receive the new numerical grades in a further 20 subjects.

"We are really pleased," said Sam Northwood, headteacher of Nelson Thomlinson School, in Wigton.

"Compared to previous years we are very, very pleased with the results and many of the kids will be delighted today, I'm sure."

Around 220 teenagers flocked to William Howard School in Brampton to pick up results.

They included Jasmine Harrand, 16, who achieved four grade 9s and five grade 8s and is now planning to go into sixth form to do A-levels in chemistry, biology, maths and French, possibly with a view to studying biomedical science at university later.

She said: "I'm surprised. I thought I was going to do worse than what I did - but I know I've worked very hard for these."

Her mum Andrea said: "They are fantastic. I'm so proud."

Jasmine and her friend Kara Ashurst, from Milton, who achieved the equivalent of an A* and two A grades among her results, were planning to visit Mr Brown's cafe in the town centre for a celebratory breakfast with their mums.

Nicola Robinson, 16, of Brampton, was overjoyed to find she gained five 9s, three 8s and a grade 7.

Her top grades were in maths, chemistry, physics, biology and music.

A keen saxophonist and clarinet player, Nicola intends to do A-levels in physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at sixth form.

"Science is something I certainly enjoy," said Nicola, who sat more than 20 exams. "I didn't know what to expect with the exams this year. We knew we were the first as it were doing lots of them for the first time. They told us they couldn't really predict them.

"It was very stressful at times because we had them all packed into a month."

Friends Niamh Bones, from Carlisle, and Lena Shimmin, from Heads Nook, are looking forward to doing PE at A-level after their success in the subject at GCSE. They achieved 14 strong passes between.

Headteacher Chris McAree said: "The students deserve congratulations on the excellent results they are picking up at the end of their five years of secondary school.

"As a cohort they have faced more exams than any students before them, the majority sitting 25-plus papers. This coupled with the fact that they have covered far more material and to a greater depth than any of their predecessors makes their achievements all the more rewarding for them."
He added: "Whether it is the straight grade 7/8/9 and A*/A students or those achieving their own targets we wish them the very best in the next stage of their educational journeys.

"For many that will be sixth form study here at William Howard or at a local college and an increasing number will start some one of the fantastic local apprenticeships that are available.

"All the students should feel proud of what they have accomplished and take that next step with confidence. We wish them all the very best for the future."

In Carlisle, Kristine Porte now hopes to follow in her parents' footsteps and follow a career in medicine.

Kristine, who picked up 13 good grades at Newman Catholic School , said: "I want to go into medicine or dentistry. My parents are both nurses so I want to go down that route like them."

The Currock teenager is among a number who will be switching to do A-level studies at the city's Trinity School.

Kristine's friend Charlotte Emmerson, from Stanwix, achieved a range of impressive results including a catering qualification and an A in ICT.

Lena Long, 16, also from Stanwix, was pleased to get a top 9 grade in RE as well as two 8s, three 7s, three 6s and two 5 grades.

"It was amazing to get that," she said.

Katie Burns, Niamh Beattie and Frances Fleming were also among the 90-plus pupils at Newman School collecting results.

Headteacher John McAuley said: "We have witnessed some excellent results from a number of students. They can be very proud of all their hard work as they continue their studies here at Newman or embark on adventures new."

Paul Buckland, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith , is also proud of his pupils today.

He said: "We have had a very successful year. There have been lots of happy faces at QEGS this morning as results have been handed out.

"The outcomes are testament to the hard work of our students and staff, particularly in the national context of enormous pressure on the cohort. This year there are more changes than ever to the grading system, grade boundaries and performance measures.

"With the most significant change coming in nearly all GCSEs outside of English and mathematics, we are making sure that collectively and individually Cumbrian schools have accurate data to share with the media, the public and other stakeholders who are as keen as we are to celebrate the successes of our children and to congratulate all of our school staff.

"As always there are a number of queries over re-marks and grade boundaries and so, once the official DfE September checking exercise has been completed QEGS will issue our headline data. For now, it is essential we focus on the real stars of today; the students.

"Our students are also more than the sum of their grades and so today we want to celebrate the individuals who have shone for all sorts of reasons. Overall this is a remarkable set of results achieved under challenging national circumstances."

QEGS also revealed that Christina Boving Foster achieved the remarkable tally of a clean sweep of 11 grade 9s and an A* for Further Maths.

Other students who have achieved eight or more grade 9s at the school include Martha Hudson, Kara Keenan-Wilson, Hiruthika Ravimohan, Jacob Reid, Poppy Scholefield and Angelina Shcherbakova.

More than 110 year 11 students at neighbouring Ullswater Community College are expected to return for sixth form studies in September in the wake of their GCSE successes.

The school says its pass rates for maths match last year’s successes and English has surpassed the previous year in terms of its standard and higher grade profile.

Students achieving pass grades at 7 or above in the majority of their subjects at Ullswater Community College were Hannah Atkinson, Freya Austin, Luke Farley, Megan Fawcett, Georgia Hunt, Shannon Iceton, Jasmine Jones, Maisie Jones, Joe Robinson, James Salt, Kirsten Scott and Oli Winspear.

In addition, the UCC students making the highest progress during their secondary education have been Caitlin Blackman, Emily Todd, Genna Pickthall, Ethan Brough, Sarah Todd, Tamara Wilson, Evie Cummings, Dan Moody, Ryan Heslop, Harry Bouch and Megan Fawcett.

Headteacher Nick Ellery said: "Every year staff and students at UCC set themselves high standards for results at GCSE and every year they seem to be able to match these expectations.

"I am happy with these outcomes, coming at a time when nationally the picture is far from stable. "What really matters, of course, are the results for individual students and, once again, the outcomes here are very good with the vast majority of students gaining the necessary qualifications to make their next step in their education."

At Caldew School in Dalston , standout results include:

Lucy Hunter who achieved four grade 9s, three grade 8s and a further A and two 6s;

Neve Sowerby achieved four grade 9s, three grade 8s, two A*s and a further two grade 5s;

Jessica Plunkett has gained grade 9s along with five grade 8s, a grade 7 and a grade 6.

Olivia Green has three grade 9s, two grade 8s, four grade 7s and a grade 6.

Holly Howson, Lydia Richardson, Ewan Westgate, Freya Taylor, Macey Brown and Lucy Gate were also recognised.

Headteacher Vicki Jackson said: "We are very proud of our student’s achievements. It is especially true this year where there have been even more changes to the examination system.

"There have been significant changes including students having to sit more exams than ever before, the removal of controlled assessments and the introduction of the new grading system across a wide range of subjects."

Brothers Marcus and Louis Grogan achieved 23 A* and A grade equivalents between them at Austin Friars School, Carlisle .

Others celebrating similar top grade successes with nine or more A*/A or equivalent grades are Francisca Boyling (10 A*/A), Amy Bray (11 A*/A), Olivia Graham (9 A*/A), Megan Le Brocq (10 A*/A) and Charlotte McGauchie (12 A*/A).

The school's headteacher says it is an outstanding set of GCSE results with 46 per cent of all grades at A* or A equivalent.

It confirms that 17 per cent of the “new” GCSEs were awarded grade 9, compared to a posted national average of 4.3 per cent.

Matt Harris, headteacher, said: "We are delighted that our high achievers and pupils across our broad ability range have achieved such superb results with 94 per cent of all grades at A* – C or equivalent."

It was a quieter than usual results day at Austin Friars this morning as half of the GCSE pupils due to get their results are currently in South Africa on a rugby and hockey tour.

Pupils were able to receive their results via email if they had elected to, with some choosing to wait until they return home at the weekend to find out how they have done.

Notable successes at Richard Rose Morton Academy in Carlisle included Ella Burgess whose grades included an 8 in English Literature; Kieran Dalziel whose grades included an 8 in Mathematics; and Daniel Peacock whose grades included an 8 in History.

All three will now join the Richard Rose Sixth Form, which runs at its sister school Central Academy.

Richard McGuire, principal of Richard Rose Morton Academy, said: "Once again, there are some strong performances in these results and I am very proud of those students celebrating today. "We are looking forward to the academic year ahead on the back of our recent Good judgement from Ofsted. Many of those celebrating today will be going on to join our joint sixth form and will continue their education with us."

At its sister school, Richard Rose Central Academy , individual successes included those of Jasmin Canny, Jamie McLauchlan, Calum Skelton and Alicia Skowronek.

Calum Skelton said: "My results were better than I expected. I am really pleased with them. I am hoping to start an apprenticeship in hospitality management with my employer Hallmark Hotel.

"The support we have had from the staff at the school has made a real difference and the opportunity to have extra lessons and work has helped us to get good grades."

Co-headteacher at nearby Trinity School , Sheila Johnston said: "We would like to congratulate our students on the results they have achieved in a year where there have been more changes than ever to GCSE examinations which have undoubtedly become more challenging.

"We cannot fault their hard work and commitment and thank also all of our staff who have worked with them."

At Keswick School , Tania Gibbin, Deputy Head and Head of Year 11, said: "There are some excellent outcomes for significant numbers of the year group alongside some notable successes for a number of students who have faced some challenging personal circumstances this year.

"We look forward to welcoming a large number of the students back in September to begin A Level studies and wish those who are going on to other courses or apprenticeships the very best of luck."

Spectacular results were achieved by many, she revealed, including Jos Higgins - ten grade 9s;

Ellie Glaister - eight grade 9s, two grade 8s and an A*; Carla Gengnagel - seven grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7, and an A*; Charlotte Rudd - six grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 6 and an A*; Shea Morris - six grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 4, and an A; Natalie Williams – six grade 9s, one grade 8, one grade 7, one grade 6 and an A*; Amy Binks – four grade 9s, two grade 8s, two grade 7s, two grade 5s; Leah Montgomery - four grade 9s, six grade 8s, one grade 7; and

Alexander Ewing - three grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7, one grade 5 and A*, A and B.

Amy Binks said: "I am overwhelmed with my GCSE results and the support I was given by my friends and staff at Keswick School. I am now going on to study art, history and philosophy and ethics at Keswick sixth form."

Ellie Glaister added: "I am so happy with my results, I exceeded all of my expectations. I would like to thank all of the teachers and staff for their help and support."

Samuel King's School is not only celebrating the GCSE achievements of its year 11 pupils, but those of younger children.

Over 70 per cent of Year 11 students at the Alston school gained the expected level in English Language with the figure for maths being above 80 per cent, a similar figure for that achieved in Science. Tamys Birtwistle gained a grade 9 in English Language and an 8 in English Literature.

Poppy Dodd, in year 10, gained grade 9s in both Art and Geography.

Two of her classmates, Eimear Hanley and Katherine Cooper, gained grade 8s for Geography, and Leon Taylor-Lynch got a A for Design Technology and a grade 7 in History.

A year younger, Andrew Hagen gained the top mark for Performing Arts and Matthew Levitt gained a grade 6 for French and in German a grade 5.

Two more year 9 students, Daniel Priestley and Jake Snowden, also gained grade 5 for French.

Top performer at Solway School in Silloth was Jenny Harrison.

She is on holiday in Iceland, but her proud mum collected her results and text them to Jenny.

Her mum said: "Jenny gave it 110 per cent and will now be going on to Keswick Sixth Form.

"She has proved that she can do it. I am so grateful for all the support the school has given her.

"We are all delighted with the 6s and 7s she achieved in Maths, English and Science, as well as a grade A in her ICT qualification and an excellent extended project. We are sure Jenny’s ambitions of becoming a vet can and will be achieved if she conducts herself with the same verve and vigour as she has through school."

Jake Beswick was also delighted with his results, particularly the grade A he achieved in his ICT qualification, as was Megan Heath with a level 2 Distinction Plus in BTEC Sport, grade 6 and 7 in GCSE English and Maths respectively and an A in her ICT qualification.

Judith Schafer, executive headteacher of Solway School and Aspatria's Beacon Hill School, said: "I’m over the moon with the success stories we’ve been able to share at both Solway and Beacon Hill this morning. Students and staff have worked really hard to achieve these results and it’s one of the best parts of my job that I have the privilege to share this moments with students and parents. Thank you and well done."

Success was also enjoyed across Appleby Grammar School and Kirkby Stephen Grammar School.

Appleby's headteacher Andrew Lund said: "It’s been an exciting morning at school as students have come in to collect their GCSE results.

"The new grading system includes a new top grade of a nine and particular congratulations are due to Laura Chambers, Ruby Coburn and James Dunham for achieving this grade in their results. "We also have many students who’ve gained very strong passes in all their subjects and will now progress to our Sixth Form. We are also very pleased and proud of our students who have made real academic progress whilst at Appleby to gain their grades."

Gary Hartley, headteacher at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School , said: "Our students are also more than the sum of their grades and so today we want to celebrate the individuals who have shone for all sorts of reasons.

"Spectacular results were achieved by many including Emma Thorpe who has achieved four grade 9s, two grade 8s and two grade 7s. Emma has performed significantly above her target grades and has been a shining example of dedication and commitment throughout her time at KSGS, proving what can be achieved through hard work."

He also notes the achievements of Ella Capstick – who has achieved one grade 9, five grade 8s and two grade 7s - and Daisy Bradburn-Sims, who achieved one grade 9, five grade 8s and two grade 7s.

Other students with notable performances, he said, included Emily Milburn (two 9s and two 8s), Archie Graham (five 8s and one 7), Sam Sudder (two 8s and four 7s), Sadie Ludgate (an 8 and four 7s) and Ned Baker (five 7s).

"There were equally significant achievements from students who overcame medical difficulties to achieve enough strong passes to meet the entry requirements for KSGS Sixth Form or other local schools and colleges," said Mr Hartley.

"These grades may not have been as high as those mentioned above but they represented considerable achievements nonetheless."

Hundreds of pupils across west Cumbria were also finding out how they had done in this year's GCSE exams. Read how they got on here

Career guidance experts from Inspira were on hand today to talk to teenagers in schools across west Cumbria.

Young people in the Carlisle who want advice or support could meet Inspira's team in its centre in Lowther Street.

Advice will be available to the nervous youngsters on a wide range of post-16 options including sixth form, apprenticeships, vocational and technical courses at college or other forms of training.

For young people who need more in-depth help Inspira also runs the Government backed Launch Pad programme.

It provides one-to-one and group tuition alongside targeted information, advice and guidance and helps prepare young people for further education or training.

Over 600 young people have so far received support from Launch Pad since January 2016, with over 350 progressed into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships or full-time education. The rest are taking up opportunities this autumn.

Peter Clark, Inspira’s Contract Lead, said: "Launch Pad is predominately for young people who are classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET) or potentially NEET.

"The label can be considered negative, but the term theoretically covers young people who have left school this year and are waiting for their exam results before they decide what to do next, those who may be undecided about their future and young people who haven’t managed to secure a position for September either in an apprenticeship or further education."

Areas of development are identified with participants before bespoke learning plans are drawn up.

Participants can also get experience in sectors including customer service, administration, warehousing and digital technology.