WHATEVER GCSE results students receive this Thursday, 'don't panic' is the advice being given by a south Cumbria college principal.

Students from across Furness, Millom and the South Lakes will be collecting their GCSE grades and preparing to take up college and apprenticeship places.

Andrew Wren, principal and chief executive of Furness College, said: “We know it’s always a nervous time for students preparing to get their GCSE grades – particularly after such a long wait – but, whatever is in the envelope, our advice is not to panic.

“Lots of students will be jumping for joy as they get the grades they need for their first-choice next step, whether that’s college or an apprenticeship, but if you’ve not got the results you wanted the key thing is to seek early advice.

“Don’t be put off and think education is not right for you. Getting qualifications is even more important in today’s competitive workplace and there are so many different industries in Cumbria and beyond with great career opportunities.

"Many people have gone on to great careers after getting modest GCSEs grades and, for some, it has even spurred them on to achieve at the highest level. It was wonderful last week that, alongside the high achievers who gained a hat-trick of A*s at A-Level at our sixth form campus, we had students who had spent three years at college, first gaining their GCSE qualifications, then A-Levels and who were going off to university – they had worked hard and they deserve their bright futures."

Mr Wren leads Barrow's Furness College, which includes the Channelside campus and Barrow Sixth Form College in Rating Lane. He said following the merger the college is in "a brilliant position" to help and support students because it now has now has the biggest choice of qualifications in Cumbria with a courses for all, from practical to academic courses.

Mr Wren said: “Our staff are experts at listening to young people’s aims and ambitions and can help find courses to put them on track to their ultimate career goal. We will have a team of staff in college on GCSE results day to help out and we’ve also got a website chat set up for any last-minute questions students may have about their grades or course choices – there’s always a solution and there's a place for everyone at Furness College.”