THE sound of ripping paper filled the air as dozens of anxious teenagers awaited exam results which could change their lives.

It has become an annual tradition at Ulverston Victoria High School for the benchmark for A-Level results to be raised ever higher.

However, time and time again the students at the school rise to the challenge, making themselves, their parents and their school proud.

This year 75 per cent of Year 13 students were accepted onto their first choice course at university.

There were also a high number of students being accepted onto highly sought after higher apprenticeships. Students are heading off to a diverse range of employers including BAE, Forge Europa and Ernst & Young.

Head of sixth form at UVHS, Rob Rastelli, expressed his delight at how well this year's group have fared.

He said: "It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure working with this year group, with the commitment, dedication and sheer hard work that they have put into their time at UVHS."

There were more than two dozen students who earned at least two A*s or As, but the standout performer in 2017 was 18-year-old Dylan Phelps.

Having achieved three A*s in maths, further maths and computer science, he will be heading to Christ College, Cambridge, in the autumn.

Dylan said: "I can't believe it, it was a bit of a shock, I didn't apply until quite late but I'm glad I did."

He will now go on to study computer science, a subject he has long held a passion for.

He said: "It's something that has always interested me and it's the future of where things are going."

Aspiring medic Alex Bloom, 18, will be embarking on the long road to becoming a doctor after passing his exams with flying colours.

Four As were more than enough to secure him his place at University College London.

He said: "I'm very happy with it, in my offer I needed an A* but I've been accepted anyway. In the end, that's what matters. I've wanted to be a doctor for quite a few years, I think it's the idea of it being a challenging career."

Other high-achievers included 17-year-old Brandon Wilson who earned three As and will go on to study medicine at Leeds University.

His friend, 18-year-old Sulagna Sinha, received A*AA and will also be going to Leeds where she will study computer science.

Emily Glass will be studying music at Cambridge next year after being awarded an A* and two As.

Out of the 2017 class, two students will be heading to Cambridge, one was offered a place at Oxford but declined it, and a further two will be studying at Durham University.

Matthew Hardwick, head of school, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the phenomenal outcomes that this year’s UVHS Year 13 students have achieved and are proud of each and every one of them.

"The outstanding results of our students reflect not only their own hard work and commitment, but also the amazing dedication and quality of our teaching and support staff alongside the superb levels of encouragement and focus fostered by parents and families.

"UVHS is a true learning community, providing a traditional and challenging A-Level curriculum and these results show how all areas of a student’s life can come together to provide the very best opportunities for their futures.”

Related content:

See this year's full UVHS results list

Students from across Furness are picking up their A level results today