EMOTIONS were high in west Cumbria as teenagers discovered their GCSE results for the first time yesterday after months of waiting.

West Lakes Academy welcomed pupils to the academy to collect results.

Principal James Jackson said: “Recent weeks have been very cofusing for these young people and I welcome the clarity of this week’s announcement on the awarding of centre assessed grades.

“This has been a year like no other and I look forward to welcoming many of these students into our sixth form in September. I would also like to thank all the staff at the academy for their resilience and adaptability over recent weeks and also the parents of these young people who have supported and guided them which has enabled them to achieve these fantastic results.”

Workington Academy was delighted with the results of their students, with some in particular excelling.

Lucy Wilson achieved a total of seven grade 9s and one grade 8. She plans to study maths, further maths, German and History as A-Levels at the Workington Academy campus of the West Coast Sixth Form.

Headteacher, Des Bird, said: “This has been an unusual and somewhat controversial exams season nationally, however we mustn’t forget that this is a defining moment for a whole generation of young people.”

Energy Coast UTC students have picked up some outstanding grades, with principle Cherry Tingle is delighted at the results.

She said: “We hope that the students believe they have received grades that reflect their hard work and depth of learning throughout their courses. We congratulate them all on the manner in which they have coped in these quite extraordinary times.”

Blaine Graham achieved nine GCSEs. One grade 9, two grade 8s, three grade 7s and three grade 6s.

At Cockermouth School, there were many exceptional performances with 49 students obtaining eight or more grades nine to seven; particular congratulations go to Jake Black, Isabella Bridgman, Eloise Cole, Isabel Colley, Lucy Davies, William Devenish, Oliver Heron-Southward, Lizzie Pawson, Clare Rodger, Ben Smith and Anna Taylor who all achieved six or more grade 9s.

Headteacher, Dr Rob Petrie, said “Cumbrian schools are proud to serve our children, their families and the communities they come from.”

Mrs Jackson, Headteacher at St Benedict’s congratulated students on their results. She said: “We are pleased that so many students have gained the results they needed and we wish them all the best for their futures.”

A 20-year-old man is celebrating after passing his maths GCSE on his fourth attempt.

Brandon Faunch is one of hundreds of hard-working students at Lakes College who have received their results

“I’m so happy to have achieved a Grade 4 in my maths GCSE,” he said. “This was my fourth attempt at achieving the grade so I’m chuffed to bits. I’m now going on to study at the college.”

Students from The Whitehaven Academy are finally able to celebrate their hard work in their GCSEs.

Headteacher Nigel Youngman said: “The whole school community needs to be proud of the successes of these Year 11 students. Lockdown has been extremely difficult for so many, and it is a pleasure to finally see young people celebrate and look forward to their futures with excitement and hope.”

Carenza Curwen achieved a grade 8 in Geography, a grade 7, five grade 6s and a grade 5 in French. Carenza will be studying West Coast Sixth Form.