ECSTATIC A-Level students found themselves holding all the cards - including a star performer who turned down Cambridge in favour of Barrow shipyard.

Barrow Sixth Form College celebrated its best-ever results with a pass rate of 99.1 per cent, and some of its top achievers faced tough decisions to choose between prestigious university offers and industry places.

Barrow Sixth Form's Robbie Simpson was delighted to discover he had achieved three A*s. He had needed two A*s and an A to secure his offer to study for a civil and structural engineering degree at the University of Cambridge.

But the 18-year-old, of Barrow, declined his offer to study at the world-famous seat of learning. He withdrew his application so he can realise his ambition to be part of the exciting future at BAE Systems in Barrow. He will become a project management higher apprentice.

The former headboy of Furness Academy, who had five university offers said: "This is the best opportunity for me because you get to study for your degree and you also get the work experience. BAE Systems is huge company and it is such an exciting industry. It is something I always wanted to get involved with. Now I have the chance to do it earlier on, I couldn't say no really.

"There is a future in Barrow which is going to grow through all the developments. With the higher apprenticeship we have placements around the company.

"A lot of people have been surprised that I have turned down Cambridge. I did um and ah about it at first, it did feel weird saying no to Cambridge, but I realised this was the thing I wanted to do. I got an email from Cambridge saying 'we are just checking this is correct'.

"My family realise this is an opportunity. I know it's the right thing for me, I'm really happy."

Robbie said Barrow Sixth Form had been "really good" with "really supportive teachers" who helped to nurture greater independence among the students.

He said: "If you work hard it does pay off. The last few months were tough but I survived."

Barrow Sixth Form's top performer, Alice Hewson, who achieved an incredible four A*s, also turned down a University of Cambridge offer to study natural sciences.

Alice, the former headgirl at St Bernard's Catholic High School, has opted to take a gap year to do voluntary work and then apply to the University of St Andrews.

The 18-year-old, of Barrow, will be volunteering at a diocesan retreat centre at Castlerigg, Keswick.

Alice said: "I was not expecting these results, my further maths result was a shock. I'm really happy and it's a great end to my two years. I'm taking a gap year and I will reapply for university.

"I changed my mind about what university I wanted to go to. I want to take a year out to cement what I want to do.

"Barrow Sixth Form has been really good. I've made good friends and all the tutors are really good."

Barrow's James Gallagher also achieved a set of top grades to meet his offer to study chemical engineering at The University of Cambridge.

Alyah Saltiga achieved two A*s and an A, to study biochemistry at Manchester University. She said: “I’m really happy. It has been challenging but obviously the hard work has paid off.”

More than half of all students achieved A*, A and B grades and more than 20 per cent achieved A* and A grades.

More than 204 students achieved their A-Levels and they enjoyed a breakfast barbecue.

Former principal David Batten, who returned for results day, said: “We always have high expectations of our students and they have delivered an amazing set of results that will be a springboard for their futures.

“The students now have the choice of where they want to go and the academic qualifications and valuable skills they need to excel – whether that’s a university degree course, higher apprenticeship or a good job. In addition, the AS results were also excellent which bodes really well for next year.

“This is an inspirational place to learn and these results are the best yet and a testament to the hard work of students and staff.”

The sixth form merged with Furness College earlier this month. College principal and chief executive Andrew Wren said: “The results reflect the high-quality learning environment here at sixth form and the hard work of students and staff.

"You can see that students really enjoy their time here and progress with the qualifications and skills to succeed at university, on higher level vocational courses or in the workplace.”

“As a merged college we now have an excellent educational route and a broad range of opportunities to help young people throughout Cumbria achieve their career goals.”

Barrow Sixth Form College A-Level results 2016