STUDENTS across west Cumbria received their A-level results on Thursday, with young people in the Cumberland council area seeing an improved exam performance from last year.

Level 3 (A-Level and equivalent examinations) saw improved results year on year with an average Level 3 points score received per student this year at 34.22, compared to 31.71 last year, a rise of 2.51.

Councillor Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council executive member for lifelong learning and development, said: "Enjoy this moment to celebrate all your hard work and dedication to your studies. You can now focus on the future and the exciting opportunities ahead.

"We also want to thank the headteachers, teachers, parents, and carers who have supported our students throughout their journey.

"Their commitment has been crucial in achieving this milestone, and we join them in celebrating these accomplishments."

At St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven, Emma Jackson, headteacher, said: "It was lovely to welcome back some of our Year 13 students today and celebrate their results with them.

"We want to congratulate all of our students on their achievements today and wish them all the very best for the future."

Andrew Keep, headmaster at independent day and boarding school St Bees, added: "It has been a tough year, and standards continue to rise. But we are immensely pleased with students who have achieved their goals and University destinations.”

At Millom School, headteacher Matt Savidge congratulated all Year 13 students on getting such a 'great set of results'.

He said: "I am incredibly proud of them and the hard work and dedication that they have shown during their time at Millom School.

"These results are about our students taking the next steps in their lives and I am pleased that they will be going on to study a range of courses at university and onto high quality apprenticeships.

"I wish all of our students every success in the future and thank the teachers for the support they have given to our students to help them achieve so well."

Level 3 results are subject to change as they enter a period of validation, with the final collective performance of Cumberland students available later this year.