BRIGHT futures await Copeland's teenagers who collected their A-level results today - with every school reporting higher pass rates. 

Whitehaven Academy's pass rates have improved substantially since last year, with 97 per cent of students achieving their expected grades. This is an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year’s results, with over 43 per cent of students achieving A*-B grades. 

Student, Laoise Manger, from Whitehaven, earned herself two A*s in biology and chemistry, as well as an A in maths. 

"I'm over the moon because I was so nervous, but it was such a relief to see that all the hard work paid off," said Laoise. "I've wanted to be a vet for as long as I can remember, so it's an honour to be accepted into the Royal Veterinary College in London, which is one of the best in the country." 

Philip Grant, principal of the academy, said: “These are fantastic results which are thoroughly deserved. Students have been dedicated and worked with staff and been supported by parents to achieve this success." 

St Benedict's School's pupils and staff were also celebrating with 100 per cent of pupils gaining two A-levels for the second year running. 97 per cent of students earned three or more A-levels - five per cent more than last year.

Headteacher, Ian Smith, said: "I am once again encouraged and delighted with the results. which have enabled them to get into their universities of choice." 

One of those students was Luke McShaw, from Cleator Moor, who got two As and a B, booking himself a place at Newcastle University to study geography. 

"I had to push myself to get these results, it hasn't been easy," said Luke. "I stayed behind for extra hours at school almost every day and the wait to get the results has been nerve-wracking, but it's all worth it now." 

West Lakes Academy, Egremont had reason to celebrate too, with 100 per cent of students passing their exams.

Out-going principal, Vanessa Ray, said: “The results achieved by our sixth form students have been consistently outstanding year on year, placing us among the best sixth forms in the area." 

One of those outstanding pupils was Dylan Gardner, from Cleator Moor, who achieved A* in biology, A* in chemistry, and A* in maths, he will be studying medicine at Leeds University. 

"I didn't check online to see whether I'd got my place because I wanted it to be a surprise on the day," said Dylan. "The feeling you get when you open that letter and you know you're off to university is indescribable. I'm just excited to go there and get started."