HUNDREDS of students are celebrating across the county after collecting their eagerly-anticipated A-level results.

For one Carlisle teenager, the countless hours of hard-work alongside her studies have paid off.

Sophie Ingledow was predicted to get a B and two C’s, but landed an A* in one of her subjects at Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle.

She achieved an A* in law, and Bs in psychology and English language and literature.

Moments after opening the envelope and getting her results, Sophie said: “I’m so shocked, and still taking it all in.

“I’ve been working at Paulo’s chippy in Denton Holme while I’ve been studying, and I’m happy to know that all the hard work has paid off.”

The 18-year-old will head off to study English language and linguistics at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston in September.

“A couple of my friends are going to Preston, so it’ll be nice to be with people I know,” Sophie added.

Meanwhile, fellow Richard Rose student Adam Bulman, 18, expressed his shock at his results.

He said: “I’m absolutely shell-shocked, and lost for words.

“I needed two As and a B to get into Loughborough uni in Leicestershire to study sport and exercise science, but only managed to get three Bs for biology, PE and music, and a distinction* in BTEC Sport.

“I phoned UCAS to check if the uni would still let me in, and I’m over the moon to know they have accepted me.

“They said they were very pleased with my personal statement and my interest in the course when I went down for an open day.”

Elsewhere, Jenna Handy, 18, from Trinity School, Carlisle, shared her relief: “I’m over the moon and really happy with my results.

“I didn’t think I was going to get the grades, but I’m glad I got a B in law and physiology, and a C in biology.

“I work part time at Casa Romana in the city centre, and there’s a lovely couple who visit regularly and have been asking how I’ve been getting on with my exams.

“I’m looking forward to giving them the good news.”

Jenna, who originally applied to do forensic science at the University of Cumbria, decided a few months ago to study adult nursing, and has an interview lined up to take on the course next week.

“Hopefully I’ll be accepted on the course, and then I’ll be able to enjoy the rest of my summer,” she added.

The results have been positively received by schools in Carlisle and beyond.

Andrew Winter, assistant head in charge of the sixth form at Trinity School, said: “We’re very proud of the achievements of our Year 13 students.

“There are many individual success to celebrate; Callum Taylor, for example, goes to Oxford to study English, having achieved three A* grades in English literature, music and French.

“Our head girl, Sophie Mason, goes to Leeds having achieved three grades and our head boy, Callum Woods, has gained a higher level apprenticeship in architectural design with a local firm.”

Richard Johnson, head of sixth form at Richard Rose Central Academy in Carlisle, added: “We’ve seen a marked improvement in our average A-level and BTEC vocational grades.

“Well done all.”