SMILES could be seen all around the school hall at St Bernard's Catholic High School as students were given their GCSE results.

Headteacher Peter Croft said the school was very happy about this year's cohort.

He said: “We’re very happy with how today has gone.

“The students have all worked really hard.

“Everyone seems to be happy.”

The school celebrated a number of high achievers this year.

Among them was Grace Phillips, from Barrow.

She got high grades across the board including nines in her favourite subjects French and English.

She said: “It was a relief to get my results.

“I felt nervous coming in but I feel good now that I’ve got them.”

Miss Phillips will now study a baccalaureate diploma in Birmingham and hopes to go to University in France.

Catherine Whatley, Grace's mum, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic.

“She’s worked really hard and now she’s got the results she deserves.

“I’m really proud of her.”

Bobby Bone was another young woman who did well in her GCSEs.

She said: “I’m very happy with the results I got.

“I’m going to go to Barrow Sixth Form College next year to study Maths, Law, Psychology and Biology.

“I want to do a higher apprenticeship after sixth form.”

Bobby’s mum,Clare Ballantyne was there with her daughter to open the results.

She said: “I’m really proud of her.

“She’s worked so hard for it and deserves it.”

Connie Andrews was another high-achieving student who got the grades she wanted.

She came with her mum and sister.

She said: “I’m really happy about my results.

“I’m going to Barrow Sixth Form to study maths, Chemistry and Biology.

“I want to study medicine at university.”

Connie’s mum Sally Andrews said the whole family was ‘very proud' of her for getting the results she did.