THE headteacher at Dowdales School in Dalton has praised the academic performance of her pupils following the announcement of today's GCSE results. 

Julie O’Connor said students had achieved "a very good set of GCSE results" - with 80 per cent getting five A* to C grades, and 64 per cent getting 5A* to C grades including English and maths. 

She added: "Each of the core subjects of maths, English/Literature and science is above 75 per cent. 

"There has also been a strong performance in the academic subjects of history and geography, both above 73 per cent and in languages. 

"Overall, a quarter of the grades achieved by our 209 students are at the top A* or A grades which underlines how highly they have achieved this year. 

"Our congratulations and well done to each and every one of our students. 

"These results are also a testament to the excellent teaching of the staff and their determination to support students to be the very best that they can be.”

Pupils at the school were delighted by their results and are excited to move on to the next stage of their education.

Isobel Allen, 16, from Grizebeck, was the school's top achiever securing nine A*s and one A.

She said: "I'm happy.

"It's what I was predicted but I didn't think the exams went too well so I wan't expecting great results. 

"I just didn't expect these."

Isobel, who volunteers at South Lakes Safari Zoo, is going to Ulverston Sixth Form to study the three sciences and maths. 

Eleanor Hanson, 16, from Askam, was delighted by her five A*s, two As and two Bs. 

She said: "I wasn't expecting that - I'm shocked.

"I'm going to Barrow Sixth Form to do maths, chemistry, history and law and hoping to do a higher apprenticeship at BAE after."

Katie Moncrief, 16, from Dalton, got two A*s, five As and a B. 

She said: "It's amazing - I can't believe it."

Alex Bloom, 16, from Askam, was thrilled with his seven A*s and two As. 

He said: "I feel great - I wasn't expecting that. 

"It's a big relief. 

"I'm going to Ulverston Sixth Form to do my A Levels and I then want to study to become a surgeon. 

"It's something I've always wanted to be."

But dreams have already come true for 16-year-old Georgia Stanway who has been signed to play football for Manchester City, in addition to England under 17s.

She said: "I've been playing with them for two months now and I live in Manchester. 

"It is scary living on my own but it's my dream. 

"Hopefully I can just stay in the first team so I can play in the first team for the seniors."

Jill Bowes, deputy headteacher at Dowdales, is extremely proud of Georgia, who achieved 

She said: "While she was studying for her GCSEs she had a number of England international matches so she had that pressure as well as the pressure of her GCSEs.

"She's a high achiever and a bright girl. 

"She's done absolutely fantastically - she's such a success."