A ROOM of nervous faces gradually broke out into wide smiles as relieved Barrow students discovered they had gained top GCSE results.

Furness Academy students shared hugs and some tears of joy as they congratulated one another.

Head girl Lydia Shepherd was delighted with her two A*s, four As, two Bs and two Cs.

She said: "I'm shocked and I'm happy. I was proud to be head girl here.

"I'm starting an apprenticeship at BAE Systems as a designer. I'm looking forward to it."

Rachel Woods was overcome by her five As and three Bs to add to her A* for last year.

She said: "I'm happy. I worked hard for this.

"I enjoyed my time here. The teachers are really good."

Rachel is heading to Barrow Sixth Form College.

Head boy Hanley Campbell collected seven As and three Bs.

He said: "I feel good and happy.

"Being head boy was a good experience and interesting."

Hanley aims to become a maths teacher and he is going to Barrow sixth form to continue his studies.

Jessica Johnson was delighted to share her GCSE news with her family over the phone.

She achieved an A*, four As, five Bs and a C, and said: "I'm very, very happy, I thought I was going to fail. I was very nervous waiting for my results.

"I've enjoyed school and our teachers were good."

Headteacher Simon Laheney said: "We take a rounded approach to our students’ education and will always strive to ensure all individuals are given the very best opportunities to succeed.

"This is reflected in many of the achievements being celebrated today. It’s important to remember that behind every grade there has been many, many hours of concerted effort from students, their teachers and their families.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have a state-of-the-art learning and sporting facility but we believe that people are what matters most and we are rightly proud of all of our students.

"The school is set to go from strength to strength and this September it will enjoy a record ever intake at Year Seven of 196 students."

The school's 2016 results are not comparable with those of previous years as the measures have changed.

*See more GCSE coverage tomorrow at nwemail.co.uk and in print.

GCSE results day arrives in South Cumbria

GCSE results: Furness Academy in Barrow