PUPILS across Copeland are planning for an exciting future after receiving their A-level results.

Months of anticipation came to an end with today's results day, with schools reporting an upward trend - and a host of individual success stories.

Pupils at St Benedict's School, in Whitehaven, are celebrating the best A-level results in the school's recent history, with 100 per cent of students achieving two or more A-levels or equivalent. While 93.2 per cent achieved three A-levels or equivalent.

Deputy head Lorraine Alfaro said: "We are delighted with these very well deserved results which are the product of hard work, commitment and collaboration between our students, staff and parents."

Sophia Brenan, 17, earned herself three A*s in geography, philosophy and ethics and performing arts, and an A, the highest possible grade, in environmental management.

She is now going to London College of Music to study music and she's got double the reason to celebrate as she turns 18 tomorrow. "I've been singing since I was little so I've always wanted to do this, I can't wait to meet new people and have the experience," she said.

"I turn 18 tomorrow and we're having a party to celebrate, it's a joint celebration."

And Caleb Hamilton, 18, achieved two A*s in maths and further maths and two As in further additional maths and physics. He will go to Durham University to study computer science.

"I did a summer school there and it's a really nice place, I'm looking forward to it. I've always been interested in the subject and I want to be a software engineer," he said.

While at Whitehaven Academy, vice-principal Jenny Nimmo said: "We're delighted to see our talented A-level students record well deserved exam results which will secure them university and apprenticeship places."

Student Michael Johnson achieved one A* and two As and will now go to the University of Birmingham to study geography. He said: "I received an unconditional offer thanks to my results from last year.

"I'm looking forward to the independence of university, I went to visit Birmingham last year and thought it looked good."

At West Lakes Academy in Egremont, staff have reported "another year of outstanding exam results" with 38.2 per cent of all entries being awarded the highest grades possible of A*/A.

Overall, 83 per cent of all entries have been awarded A*-C grades and the overall pass rate is a 100 per cent.

Jonathan Johnson, principal, said: "Our students continue to shine and another amazing year of performance shows how well we support all students to achieve great things."

Thomas Plews, 18, becomes the first student since the academy opened in 2008 to be accepted to an Oxbridge university.

He got two A*s in maths and further maths and an A in physics and will now study a four year masters physics course at Brasenose College, Oxford.

"I'm really pleased, I'm glad to get today out of the way," he said. "I couldn't sleep so well last night. I can't wait to study the subject I love, meet new people and have new experiences."

While Hannah Armitage, 18, guaranteed her place on a childhood studies course at the University of Leeds with a double distinction in health and social care and an A in art and design.

"I've always liked working with children and young people," she said. "I'm really excited, I've got a lot of family near Leeds and I like the city. I'm looking forward to meeting new people."

And Emily Adair, 17, will go to Northumbria University to study media and journalism after picking up an A* in art, an A in English and a C in history.

She said: "I've always wanted to study journalism, I love hearing people's stories. I'm going out for a meal tonight to celebrate."

At the Energy Coast University Technical College, Lillyhall, there was a 100 per cent pass rate for the 30 students studying a BTEC level 3 in engineering.

While 87.5 per cent achieved a merit or above and 60% achieved a distinction grading - an equivalent of an A at A-level.

Four students achieved the maximum award of a triple Distinction Star, the equivalent of three A*s at A-level.

Kurt Chastney is moving on to study quantity surveying at Northumbria University, Sam Moore is taking a project management apprenticeship at Sellafield and Natalie Deacon has applied for apprenticeships with several companies.

Interim principal John Ferguson said: "I'm delighted at the outstanding achievement of our students, which is testimony to their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work."