THE nail-biting wait for GCSE results is over as 16-year-olds from across Furness, Millom and South Lakes discover their grades today.

The teens are heading back to their schools to find out their GCSE results so they can take the next steps onto college courses, apprenticeships and other training schemes.

This year the new nine - one grading system is introduced in three GCSE subjects; maths, English Language and English Literature. The new scale will be phased in to all other GCSEs over the next two years to replace the A* - G gradings.

Due to GCSE reforms, including changes to the grading system and grade boundaries, schools were not releasing pass rate today. Pass rates are due to be released next month.

Whatever GCSE results you receive 'don't panic' - advice from south Cumbria college principal

• Follow The Mail website, nwemail.co.uk, and our Facebook and Twitter pages throughout today for GCSE results day news, photos and videos from around our schools. Tomorrow the Mail will publish a GCSE results special.