CUMBRIA's largest college has some useful advice for students collecting their GCSE results this week.

Andrew Wren, chief executive and principal of Furness College and Barrow Sixth Form College, which merged this summer, said whatever results the 16-year-olds receive there is no need to panic as there is a course for everyone.

Mr Wren said: “Many young people will get the grades for their first choice of college or to secure their apprenticeship and, for them, GCSE results day will be one of relief and celebration. However we know pupils don’t always get the grades they want or, in fact, deserve for all their hard work. The key thing is not to panic and to seek advice.

“All is not lost if you don’t get your grades and there is always something you can do. Our staff are experts at finding the right courses for you and will help you look at your options for next steps.

“We are in a brilliant position here now in Furness where, following the merger with the sixth form, there really is a course for every learner. Together we offer the widest choice of A-Levels and Cambridge Technicals in the area alongside our highly-rated vocational and professional courses including BTECs and apprenticeships.

“Last week, we heard stories of students who had achieved modest GCSEs and gone on to achieve top grades at sixth form and are now going to university, as well as those who have used education as a springboard into higher apprenticeships or jobs with good prospects. “Securing qualifications is becoming even more important in today’s highly competitive work and education environment and, even if results day is not exactly what you imagined, you can still go on to college, get your grades and have your dream career.”