A-level results day for West Cumbrian students

Eighteen-year-olds across the area are learning how they have fared in their studies and planning the next steps in their education or working lives.

At Netherhall School in Maryport academic results have overtaken vocational subjects for the first time.

Staff and students celebrated as the number of students gaining A* to C grades rose from 74 per cent last year to 86 per cent this year.

Among those picking up results was Melissa Lewis-Gress received a B in English, a merit in ICT and a distinction in health and social care.

She now faces a choice between taking up a place at Chester University, which had been her plan, or accepting an apprenticeship as an optician, which she has since been offered.

Deputy head and head of sixth form Mark Bailey described the results as a key moment for the school.

He said: "It proves that last year's successes were not a flash in the pan and that this school can offer good academic learning as well as vocational."

He paid tribute to staff and students who have been "relentless" in their pursuit of success, giving up holiday and after school time for tutorials and extra revision."

The results have given many students the option to do what they want.

Katie McAvoy was too afraid to open her emails this morning to see if she had been accepted for nursing training in Carlisle.

Her fears were groundless, though, as she picked up two distinctions in health and social care.

Lewis McDowell got an A* in maths, a A in further maths and a B in physics, ensuring a place at Lancaster University where he will read maths.

Netherhall head girl Chloe Wilkinson had reason to celebrate. Her two distinction* grades in health and social care and Cs in RE and English language gave her enough to study RE at university with a view to becoming a teacher.

Thomas Bozier wants to studying English language and creative writing. He gained Bs in English and RE and merit passes and distinctions in social care.

Halli Coulthard gained a distinction* in ICT and Bs in history and geography. She already has a promised job as a trainee accountant in Workington.

Emma Simmons will study podiatry at Queen Margaret's University Edinburgh after gaining three distinction* for health and social care, ICT and media and a C for maths.

Workington Academy headteacher Des Bird said this year's A-levels were the best set of results year 13 students had since the school became an academy.

He said: "We're absolutely delighted. Virtually all of our students got into their first choice university, we're really pleased."

Mr Bird started in his post at the school in Easter.

He said: "These have been a fantastic set of students, very committed to their results and they're worked very hard. We're proud of them all, they got some cracking results and they're going on to do bigger things."

Head girl Kiera Benzie, 18, of Seaton, was delighted with her results - A* in fine art, A in English language and C in English literature.

She said: "I didn't expect these results, I was expecting Bs and Cs, so to get an A* was a real shock."

Kiera will study sociology at university in Lancaster.

She added: "I'm very excited, I can't wait. I've always had a passion for studying society and I always heard good things about Lancaster and when I visited it I thought it was a lovely place.

"This has been the hardest year I've had at school, but it all pays off in the end when you find out your result and you move onto your next step in life."

Nathan Poland, 18, of Workington, was proud of his results and is looking forward to joining a flight school later this year. The school's head boy got a B in French, a C in Maths - the result he is most proud of - and a D in physics.

He said: "I'm really happy, I got what I needed. I've always loved flying and I can't see myself doing anything else, this has been my goal from the start."

Nathan added the flight school would enable him also to train in New Zealand and he was excited at the prospect.

Jessica Humes achieved an A* in English literature, A in RE and C in economics, while Sadie Barnes picked up As in chemistry, biology and geography.

Matthew Dodd received As in maths and further maths and Distinction* grades in IT and media.

A school spokesman said: "We would like to congratulate all our year 13 students for their hard work and commitment over the last seven years.

"This, alongside the dedication of the academy staff, has enabled our learners to successfully move on to the next stage of their education and career.

"We are delighted with the achievements of all our students and would like to highlight some impressive individual performances."

At St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven, Cameron Bowskill, 18, of Bay Vista, said he was ecstatic to achieve A*s in physics, maths, further maths and chemistry. He will read physics at Oriel College, Oxford.

Cameron said: "I'm so glad I've got what I wanted and got in to the university I want to go to. I'm really excited for university and can't wait to start."

Jasper Lithgow, 18, of Bransty, achieved A*s in biology, chemistry and maths and will read biochemistry at Worcester College, Oxford.

He said: "I was a lot more nervous than I expected. I was considering what life would be like to get into the two universities.

"I'm ecstatic with my results. It's just real hard work but it's worth it if you can commit yourself to it."

Lewis Hamilton, 18, of Whitehaven, achieved As in English language, maths and biology. He will study marketing management at Durham University.

He said: "I'm pleased. I'm a bit relieved especially with maths. The exam grades can be unpredictable."

Headteacher, Ian Smith, said: "The continued hard work of the students and the inspirational teaching of our colleagues has been rewarded with the performance of our students.

"The 2018 results underline the seven-year commitment to study in our hard-working schools."

Willie Slavin, chairman of governors, said: "It is immensely gratifying to see our students doing so well. My congratulations to them and their families. My thanks are extended to the staff for all their efforts."

Sheena Kar, director of learning for sixth form, added: "I am delighted that most of our students have gained entry into their first or second choice university or have secured their apprenticeship training places. I am also extremely pleased that a significant proportion of our students have gained entry to the prestigious Russell Group universities."

Oliver Dorgan will take up a degree apprenticeship at the office of Copeland MP Trudy Harrison after successfully completing his A-levels.

The 18-year-old, who is the youngest member of Cleator Moor Town Council, will spend two days a month at Manchester Metropolitan University from September.

The rest of his time will be spent working in Mrs Harrison's constituency and parliamentary offices alongside her three permanent employees.

As part of his apprenticeship Oliver, who is also a former Member of the Youth Parliament for West Cumbria will be managing Parliamentary procedure, conducting research, as well as helping constituents with any issues or concerns.

He said: "I am really looking forward to beginning my degree apprenticeship in Trudy’s office next month and would like to thank her and her office for this incredibly unique opportunity.

"I hope I can serve the office and most importantly the people of Copeland well."

Kane Harper gained two A*s and two Bs and will study computing science and maths at Lancaster.

Amy Fox will complete a project management apprenticeship with LLWR after achieving two As and a B.

Jasmine Butterworth got two As and a B and will study politics and Spanish at Manchester.

Daniel Stewart is heading to York to study maths after gaining three As and a B.

At Cockermouth School students were also nervously collecting their results.

Headteacher Rob Petrie said: "We congratulate all of our year 13 students who, for the third year running, have delivered significantly-improved results in their A-level exams.

"An incredible 27 students gained all A* and A grades and these grades cover the full range of subjects we offer at Cockermouth School.

"There were many outstanding student performances. Particular congratulations go to Alastair Thomas, Rachel Spalding, Alex McKinney and Laura Meier, who all obtained at least three A* grades."

Most of the schools A-level students have secured places at their chosen universities or on a highly-competitive apprenticeship programme, said Dr Petrie.

He added: "My thanks to our hardworking and dedicated staff who have done so much to support students, both inside the classroom and through our superb pastoral system. We are also grateful for the continued support of parents who work closely with us to ensure the very best for our young people.

"We wish all of our students every success in their future careers."

Molly Regan, 18, of Cockermouth, got As in psychology, biology and history and is heading to Edinburgh University to study psychology.

She said: "I'm happy. I got higher than I was expecting and high than I was predicted."

Chloe Hodgson, 18, from Cockermouth, got As in maths, further maths and computer science and a B in AS physics.

She said: "I did better than I thought I would do. I didn't think I'd ever get an A in further maths, but I managed it."

Chloe is going to study computer science and artificial intelligence at York University.

Ebony Wright, 18, from Cockermouth, got Bs in English, history and RS and said: "I'm pleased about that, the exams get harder every year."

She is going to study film making at Leeds Beckett University.

Joseph Goodwin, 17, from Greysouthen, said: "I did very well, not quite what I wanted, but I've been accepted on a foundation year at Sheffield doing engineering, which is where I want to go. So as I see it it's just an extra year in somewhere I want to be."

He got an A in maths, B in physics and Cs in further maths and chemistry.

Grace So, 18, from Workington, got As in biology, chemistry and maths. She said: "I didn't think they were my grades, they are higher than I was expecting."

She is going to go on a gap year to Europe, then to university after that.

Zac Hudd, 18, from Cockermouth, got A*s in geography and history and an A in maths. He said: "It's higher than what I thought I'd get but there's no offers that I want to take up, so I'm going to do a gap year first then will see."

Olivia Jarvis, 18, from Cockermouth, will take up a health physics apprenticeship with Sellafield after completing A-levels in geography, psychology and English. She said: "I did well. I got more than my predicted grades so I'm really pleased."

At the Energy Coast UTC , Sam Wilson, 18, of Whitehaven, was preparing to start an apprenticeship at Mercedes' Formula One base tomorrow after gaining an A* and a C in engineering, As in maths and business studies and a C in business and enterprise.

He said: "I'll be starting in the F1 world so hopefully one day I'll be able to go trackside at a grand prix.

And Niamh Nelson, 18, of Workington, will fulfil a lifelong ambition when she joins the Royal Navy as a marine engineer apprentice in November after she earned an A* and C in engineering, a B in maths and a D in science.

She said: "It's what I've wanted since I was young."

Principal Cherry Tingle said: "The hard work of our students and the inspirational teaching of staff has been rewarded with the superb performance of our students in the 2018 exams.

"Students have achieved exceptionally well and, very importantly, have confirmed their places on a range of exciting apprenticeship and university courses."

At Egremont's West Lakes Academy , Juliet Patrick, from Seascale, was celebrating after securing a place at Cambridge University to read the history of art.

The 18-year-old, who achieved A*s in art and sociology and an A in history, will attend Queens' College. "I'm really chuffed," she said. "I'm shocked, my second history exam was so bad so I'm very surprised."

Head girl Lettie Wareing, 18, is heading to Lancaster University to study psychology after achieving two A*s and an A.

"I'm very pleased," she said. "I've been really nervous. I'm looking forward to the whole experience and studying something I'm really passionate about."

Brandon Stevens, 18, from Workington, had a double reason for celebration as he marked his 18th birthday by confirming a place at Newcastle University to study medicine.

He got three As in biology, chemistry and maths and a B in English language.

Laura Mariannou, 18, was "absolutely ecstatic" with her A* in English literature, A in chemistry and A in geography. The Egremont student is taking a gap year to travel before heading to university.

And Joe Mellen, 18, from Beckermet, will study dentistry at Newcastle University. He got an A* in geography and two Bs in Chemistry and Biology.

"I wanted to work in healthcare and I like to work with my hands," he said. "I'm looking forward to the practical side of the course. I'm chuffed."

Aoife Bannon got four As and will go to Queen's University, Belfast, to study medicine while Amber Whyte got three A*s and will study medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

The academy's assistant principal and director of sixth form, Barry Simpson, said: "These are another year of incredible results and take our students attainment and the academy’s ability to deliver top class results ever forwards.

"The effort and level of commitment that has been put in by students, their parents/carers and their teachers could not be higher and the fact that every student has achieved amazing success speaks volumes about commitment and effort being the key to unlocking access to the highest of aspirations."

Keswick School students of all abilities celebrated great results, a spokesman said.

Student Robert Fryer-Spedding, who is heading to St Andrews University to study medicine, said: "It is an odd feeling to have a dream come true. Keswick School taught me to over-estimate my abilities and then gave me the tools to achieve them. All I can say is thank you.”

Samuel Hignett is also heading to St Andrews, where he will study philosophy.

He said: "The teachers of Keswick School continually inspired me and I was so grateful to be able to take on the role of the head of charity prefects within the school. I did not expect these results at all."

Esther Tonkin plans to take a gap year before studying media. She said: "I am really happy with my results. I never thought I would do this well. I would like to thank all my teachers for having confidence in me more than I had in myself to achieve this."

Arran Horne from Penrith said: "I am very happy with my results which were made possible by the amazing teaching and support staff at the school. I am now going on to study Biology at Leeds University."

Rebecca Maxwell from Cleator said: "I’m so happy today and over the moon that my work has paid off. I can’t wait to start the next stage. A big thank you for all the support I have had from teachers and the sixth form team at Keswick School."

At Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton, headteacher Sam Northwood said: "We are delighted with our results and our students have achieved some excellent grades once again.

"Early indications are that the vast majority of our students have been successful in securing their offers for university, apprenticeships or work-related training, as is the case every year at NTS.

"A-level courses have undergone a significant amount of change in recent times but local head teachers are working together so that they can provide the general public with an accurate picture.

"Every year there are also queries over re-marks and I sense that this year will be no exception; it is best therefore to wait until the adjustments have been made before drawing any firm conclusions."

Mr Northwood said the school had two stand-out students this year. Joe Whitehead achieved 3A*s and 2 As and is going on to read biological sciences at Durham University, while Sophie Connolly achieved 2 A*s and 2 As and is going on to read psychology at Newcastle University.

Student Matteo Barberis achieved an A*, two Bs and a C and is heading to York University to study computer science with artificial intelligence.

Joe Marrs secured three Bs and a C and will study agriculture at Harper Adams.

Imogen Russell achieved two As, a B and a C and is going on to read psychology at the University of Northumbria.

Schools across the area have chosen not to release statistics surrounding results until September, after any queries regarding remarks and grade boundaries have been dealt with by the Department for Education.

A spokesman for Whitehaven Academy said the school had strong performances in maths, with 50 per cent of entrants achieving A grades. There was 100 per cent pass rates in biology, physics, English language, geography and sports studies.

Melissa Palmer, who has accepted a place at Cleveland to study graphic design, gained a B in fine art and a C in her extended project. Samantha Sullivan achieved a C in psychology and both an A and B (dual award) in health and social care.

Principal Warren Turner said: "We are delighted to see results at Whitehaven Academy improve in comparison with previous years.

"We are really proud of all of our students at A-level, with outstanding results in maths and in health and social care, where all students achieved A*-B grades.

"Our transformative approach has also been reflected in seeing all our students who applied to university successfully gain places at either their first or second choice institutions.

"It is wonderful to see the hard work and determination from all students, staff and the wider Bright Tribe Trust pay off with the achievement of these excellent results."

Headteachers including those at Cockermouth School, St Benedict's, West Lakes and Keswick, released a statement which said: "The continued hard work of the students and the inspirational teaching of our colleagues has been rewarded with the performance of our students.

"The 2018 results underline the seven-year commitment to student in our hard-working schools.

"There are many chances to A-level course content and we are making sure that, both collectively and individually, our schools are able to share accurate information with the media, the public and other stakeholders who are as keen as we are to celebrate the success of our children and to congratulate all our school staff."