TODAY pupils across south Cumbria are receiving their GCSE results.

After five years of secondary school studies, 16-year-olds will collect their GCSE grades. Teenagers will be returning to their schools to celebrate with friends and teachers.

Those who got their results last year have started college studies, apprenticeships and employment. One of them was Charlotte Bethell.

The former Furness Academy head girl was delighted with her three A*s, nine As and a B. Charlotte went to Barrow Sixth Form College where she is an honours programme student.

She studies law, chemistry and maths and she has completed the extended project qualification, writing a dissertation and giving a presentation about an area of law.

She said: "It has been really good at sixth form. I enjoy being at college. It's a big step. I like the independence, it's down to you, but the teachers are there to support you."

Charlotte has met students from other schools across south Cumbria. She said: "I've made friends with people at college who went to different schools."

After A-Levels, Charlotte plans to apply for apprenticeships in industry, including a higher apprenticeship in project management with BAE Systems. At the moment her second option is to apply to universities to study law.

Recalling GCSE results day this time last year, Charlotte said: "I was quite nervous, I didn't know if I had done enough. But it was a great day."

Asked if she has any advice for other pupils picking up results this time she said: "It doesn't matter if your results are not what you expected, there are still lots of options for different courses."

Asked for her advice about college life, Charlotte said: "Make an effort to make friends with new people."

*See nwemail.co.uk and the Evening Mail Facebook and Twiitter throughout the day for all the latest GCSE results from around our schools in South Cumbria.

The Evening Mail team will be visiting our local schools to get all the reaction, pictures and video.

Join in the celebrations by sharing your GCSE news and pictures with us using #EMexams

On Friday the Evening Mail will publish an eight-page supplement of GCSE news, photos and results from around our schools.


Useful advice for south Cumbria students receiving GCSE results


PICTURE GALLERY: A-Level results day celebrations around South Cumbria