ECSTATIC students had stars in their eyes as they celebrated an impressive set of A-Level results.

Friends hugged at Barrow Sixth Form College after receiving their grades, including a flurry of top A*s. They also tucked into a free breakfast.

The highest achievers were Niall Cameron, Brad Hayton-Mulvey and Beth Postlethwaite who each gained 3 A*s.

Niall will study accountancy at the University of Leeds, Brad will now go study a degree in pharmacy at the University of Liverpool and Beth is heading to the University of Leeds to study maths and biology.

Niall, 18, who travelled to college from Hawkshead each day, said: "This was my target all year, so I'm pleased I've got these results. My time at college has been really good. It's been different coming from a small school.

"I spent a lot of time in the library and got my head down."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to Niall Cameron 3A*s & off to Leeds for accounting & Olivia Bradley BBC & doing a higher apprenticeship @ BAE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALevels?src=hash">#ALevels</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/b6fc">@b6fc</a> <a href="https://t.co/UuJoH3cP5h">pic.twitter.com/UuJoH3cP5h</a></p>— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/nchapplesNWEM/status/898076050256777216">August 17, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ben O’Flynn, 18, of Walney, achieved two A*s and two As and will go to Lancaster University to study a degree in biomedical sciences.

He said: “I’m so pleased that the hard work has paid off. Sixth form has been brilliant, I’ve made such good friends and consolidated friendships that I already had and the tutors have been a great support through it all.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">He did it, Ben O'Flynn 2A*s 2As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALevels?src=hash">#ALevels</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/b6fc">@b6fc</a> he's off to Lancaster for biomedical sciences <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MailResults?src=hash">#MailResults</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congrats?src=hash">#Congrats</a> <a href="https://t.co/9CEzcVhWyP">pic.twitter.com/9CEzcVhWyP</a></p>— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/nchapplesNWEM/status/898087104630194176">August 17, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Danielle Mitchell secured two A*s and an A and will do law at Durham University, while Jess Livesey, Laura Street and Zachariah Briant all secured one A* and two As.

Laura, 18, of Barrow, is heading to the University of Leeds to study medical sciences. She said: "I'm over the moon, I feel great.

"The amount of support from the teacher was brilliant."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She's a bit pleased - Laura Street A*AA & off to Leeds for medical sciences <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALevels?src=hash">#ALevels</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/b6fc">@b6fc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MailResults?src=hash">#MailResults</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congrats?src=hash">#Congrats</a> <a href="https://t.co/5uJy4NFf8e">pic.twitter.com/5uJy4NFf8e</a></p>— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/nchapplesNWEM/status/898080712422830080">August 17, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Charlotte Bethell’s A*,A, B and C means she will go on to a higher apprenticeship at BAE Systems along with Olivia Bradley who also got the grades she needed for a sought-after higher apprenticeship.

Olivia, 18 of Barrow, said: "I feel relieved that I got the right results so I can start work in September. I'm glad the wait is over.

"I chose a higher apprenticeship because I feel ready to start work, I think this is the right path for me."

Chloe Limitsios achieved on A and two Bs and will head to Paris to study a degree in French studies and international relations.

Chloe said: “I’m really, really happy because my grades have got me into uni - and that’s where I wanted to be. Now I can put plans in place to study in Paris.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations, Hannah Qazi is off to Leeds Beckett with 3Cs to do media <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALevels?src=hash">#ALevels</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/b6fc">@b6fc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MailResults?src=hash">#MailResults</a> <a href="https://t.co/SofqRVN28y">pic.twitter.com/SofqRVN28y</a></p>— Natalie Chapples (@nchapplesNWEM) <a href="https://twitter.com/nchapplesNWEM/status/898084043551637504">August 17, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Assistant principal - head of sixth form, Jeff Chadd said: “Our students have once again achieved a brilliant set of results that pave the way for exciting futures in the careers they have their hearts set on.

“It means that whether they wish to study at university, secure a job or take the higher apprenticeship route, they are well-placed to succeed having left here not only with the academic qualifications they worked hard for - and deserve - but with the life skills, confidence and maturity a sixth form college education brings.

“We have a wonderful college community here, people enjoy their time with us and our congratulations go not only to the students but to our fantastic staff who have supported them during their time at sixth form.”

The sixth form college, which is rated by the Department for Education as a top tier college for achievement at A-Level, merged with Furness College last year.

Principal and chief executive Andrew Wren said: “The sixth form has a long tradition of success at A-Level and today the vast majority of students have achieved the grades they need for their first-choice university or higher apprenticeship. It has been a fantastic day and it’s great to see the varied range of career paths they are going into – from sciences and engineering to languages, business and law.

“The merger means we are the biggest college in Cumbria and there has never been a wider choice of courses to help students get where they want to be.”

*Due to A-Level reform colleges schools and college are not releasing A-Level pass rates until next month.

See the Barrow Sixth Form College results list here .