Cumbrian pupils across are celebrating getting their GCSE results today.
Youngsters across the county have been busy tearing open their GCSEs, BTecs and IGCSEs results since 8am this morning.
It’s an important day for many youngsters and even if the results aren’t what they hoped for – there are several options, support systems and pathways available to help them take their next steps into the future.
Councillor Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council executive member for lifelong learning and development, said: “After the many months of revision and preparation the wait is over for students across Cumberland as they receive their GCSE results.
“Congratulations and well done to all of you, as you receive your results today. Your hard work has been rewarded and I wish you all the very best as you move onto the next stage of your journey whether it be sixth form, college or an apprenticeship or employment.
“Many thanks also to all teachers, parents, and carers who have supported our young people in their studies, you can be very proud of them all.”
Councillor Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, said: “The results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young people and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you all.
“Whatever you decide to do next, know that whatever your results there are still plenty of opportunities available to you – including with us here at the council. Each year we announce our apprenticeship opportunities and will have new opportunities in 2026.
“Today is a day to acknowledge the hard work of students, as well as all the excellent work by head teachers, teachers, schools, colleges, parents and carers, in their support of our young people over the last few months.”
Milorad Vasic, Westmorland and Furness Council’s director of children’s services, said: “I want to congratulate our young people on all their hard work and I am immensely proud of everyone’s efforts.
“Whatever your results, it is now time for you to focus on the future and the opportunities which lie ahead. I wish all our students every success as they embark on this exciting next step in their lives and careers.
“If you’re unsure about what to do next, parents, carers or pupils can contact the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline on 0800 100 900.”
Pupils are awarded a grade from one to nine in each subject. The equivalent looks like this:
- Grade 9 is higher than an A*
- Grade 8 is between an A and A*
- Grade 7 is an A
- Grade 6 is higher than a B
- Grade 5 is a strong pass between B and C
- Grade 4 is a standard pass C
- Grade 3 is between a D and E
- Grade 2 is between E and F
- Grade 1 is a G
- Below a Grade 1 is a U, which still stands for Ungraded
We’re sharing some of your results stories below – have we missed your story? Let us know by emailing [email protected]
Dallam School, Milnthorpe
Dallam School is celebrating the achievements of 181 Year 11 students who collected their GCSE results today.
The school said there has been a significant increase in the number of top grades achieved this year.
One third of language students achieved grades 7 to 9, while a quarter of those studying history and religious studies did the same.
Outstanding achievements include:
- Orla Myers who gained six grade 9s and three grade 8s
- Martha Johnson who gained six grade 9s, two grade 8s and a grade 7
- Carla Gardiner who gained four grade 9s, five grade 8s and a merit
- Reece Mason who gained three grade 9s, five grade 8s and a grade 6
- Oscar Barron who gained a grade 9 in Spanish, and grade 8s in biology, chemistry, physics and geography
- Lydia Jeffreys who gained a grade 9 in history, distinction in business studies and grade 8s in English literature, PE and technology
- Solomon Tetchner who gained four grade 8s, four grade 7s and a grade 6
- Antoni Kieres who gained a grade 9 in Polish, three grade 8s, four grade 7s and two grade 6s
Students who also exceeded target grades in every subject included: Alfie Allmond, Oscar Barron, Maizi Craik, Carla Gardiner, Lydia Jeffreys, Louis Keens, Antoni Kieres, Maaz Mahmood, Reece Mason, Theobold Harrison, Ted Besselink, Chloe Brakewell, Evie Cowell and Henry Newby.
Headteacher Steven Henneberry said: “We’ve seen a great set of results today. With students doing well across a range of subjects including more vocational ones. Languages were a popular GCSE choice and our results buck the national trend.
“GCSE results day is an important milestone – it’s the moment when effort and determination really pay off. I’m delighted for our students, who now move forward with so many opportunities open to them.
“Some will be staying with us, and heading into sixth form, while others will begin apprenticeships or will be pursuing other options. They leave Year 11 well-prepared for the next stage and confident in their abilities.”
St Bees School
St Bees School is celebrating its Year 11 students (I)GCSE results today.
This year’s students have achieved:
- 76 per cent of all grades at A–C*, maintaining the strong standard seen in 2024.
- Significant value-added progress across many subjects, with students often exceeding their predicted outcomes.
- Standout individual successes, with two thirds of students securing A* and A grades.
Many of the Year 11 students will continue into St Bees School’s sixth form whilst others have secured apprenticeship schemes.
Headmaster Mr Andrew Keep said: “Our Year 11 students should be incredibly proud of themselves. These results highlight not just their academic abilities, but also the resilience and ambition they have demonstrated over the past two years.
“What is most encouraging is the progress many individuals have made — turning potential into achievement. These IGCSEs are a springboard into sixth form, and I have every confidence they will thrive in the next stage of their education.”
West Lakes Academy, Egremont
Pupils and staff at West Lakes Academy are celebrating GCSE results this year.
Their youngsters are preparing to take their next steps by joining the academy’s Sixth Form, starting apprenticeships, or pursuing other opportunities.
Among those celebrating today are:
Liv Stainton
Liv is thrilled with her results and will be joining the academy’s Sixth Form to study criminology, forensics and business.
“I’m really pleased, I’ve done better than expected. I’m celebrating with everyone at a party later.”
Lorenzo Villarivera
Lorenzo is celebrating his exceptional 7, 8 and 9 grades.
Frances Dixon
Frances achieved an outstanding six grade 9s, two grade 8s and a grade 6.
Ellie Winter-Moore
Ellie is excited to continue her journey in the academy’s Sixth Form.
“I’m going to study forensics, sociology, and history. I’d love to go to Uni to study forensics in the future.”
Sam Hill
Sam said: “I found the exams really stressful and tiring, but I worked hard so I’m pleased with my results. I’m going to study for A Levels in physics, maths and engineering.”
Stephen Fawcett, Ryan Slater and Tom Rudd
Teacher Robinson is delighted with students Stephen, Ryan and Tom for smashing their target grades in geography. All three have secured apprenticeships or college places.
Charlie Fearon and Jude Kay
Friends Charlie and Jude are happy with their results and are looking forward to progressing to college and Sixth Form.
Rihanna Maxwell and Emily Ferris
Friends Rihanna and Emily are celebrating their fantastic results together.
Emily Strain, her mum and her sister
The wait is over. Emily opened her exam results alongside her mum and sister.
Headteacher Stephen Grant said: “We are immensely proud of every single student for the hard work, determination and resilience they have shown throughout their time with us.
“Each set of results reflects not just academic progress, but also the personal growth and commitment demonstrated over the past five years.
“Many of our students will be staying with us to continue their studies in the sixth form, and we are excited to see the flourish further as part of our school community.
“For those moving on to apprenticeships, training or employment, we wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.”
Caldew School, Dalston
Headteacher Vicki Jackson said: “We are very proud of our students’ achievements in their GCSE examinations and we wish to congratulate them on their success. They are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
“We are very pleased with these results that continue our good track record at GCSE.
“I would also like to thank all of the teachers and support staff at Caldew School, for the hard work and commitment that has helped our students be so successful, and parents and carers who have worked with us in supporting their children.
“I am looking forward to seeing most of them returning to Caldew School in the sixth form.”
Mrs Wallace, head of year 11, said: “I am incredibly proud of this year group and it has been a privilege to work with them over the last two years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish every single Year 11 student good luck in the future whatever their destination maybe, including those who are going to college or onto apprenticeships.
“I would also like to thank parents and carers for all their support in making their children successful at Caldew School.”
Standout results include:
- Dylan Tod: 5 grade 9s in biology, chemistry, physics, maths and geography, 1 grade 8 in history, 2 grade 7s in English language and Spanish and grade 4 in English literature
- Leo Tindall: 4 grade 9s in maths, biology, chemistry and business studies, 2 grade 8s in physics and geography and 3 grade 7s in English language, English literature and Spanish
- Daniel Turner: 3 grade 9s in English language, English literature and geography, 4 grade 8s in biology, chemistry, physics and history and 2 grade 7s in maths and Spanish
- Calum Wilcox: 3 grade 9s in biology, chemistry and physics, 4 grade 8s in maths, computing, English language and Spanish and 2 grade 7s in English literature and history
- Summer Bryan: 3 grade 9s in biology, chemistry and physics, distinction* in health and social care, grade 8 in history and 4 grade 7s in English language, English literature, maths and Spanish
- Lucy Edmondson: 2 grade 9s in biology and geography, grade 8 in chemistry, 5 grade 7s in English language, maths, psychology, physics and Spanish and grade 6 in English literature
- Thomas Sheridan: grade 9 in business studies, 3 grade 8s in biology, maths and geography, 3 grade 7s in chemistry, physics and English language and 2 grade 6s in English literature and Spanish
- Luke Black: 2 grade 9s in maths and science, 2 grade 8s in geography and science, and 5 grade 6s in English language, English literature, food, history and DT
- Evan Low: 2 grade 9s in English language and English literature, 2 grade 8s in drama and history, 2 grade 7s in science and Spanish, 2 grade 6s in science and psychology and grade 5 in maths
- Daniel Mason: 4 grade 8s in biology, business studies, geography and maths, 2 grade 7 s in chemistry and physics and 3 grade 6s in English language, English literature and history
- Jake Mansfield: grade 9 in English language, 3 grade 8s in biology, history and Spanish, 2 grade 7s in drama and English literature, 2 grade 6s in chemistry and physics and grade 5 in maths
- Oliver Kozlowski: 2 grade 9s in business studies and Polish, 3 grade 7s in biology, English language and history, 3 grade 6s in chemistry, physics and maths, grade 5 in English literature and grade 4 in Spanish
- Pre Beken: grade 9 in chemistry, 4 grade 7s in English language, maths, history and physics, 2 grade 6s in biology and geography and 2 grade 5s in English literature and photography
- Jessica Cromar: distinction* in health and social care, 2 grade 8s in geography and biology, grade 7 in chemistry, 4 grade 6s in English language, English literature, maths and physics and grade 5 in Spanish
- Millie Cullen: distinction in child development, 2 grade 8s in science, 2 grade 7s in English literature and history, 2 grade 6s in maths and English language and 2 grade 5s in Spanish and PE
- Megan Ingram: Grade 9 in business studies, 3 grade 8s in Art, English language and English literature , grade 7 in history, distinction in creative iMedia, 2 grade 5s in maths and science and grade 4 in science
- Sam Lee: 2 grade 8s in maths and science, grade 7 in science, distinction in creative iMedia, 3 grade 6s in English literature, English language and geography and grade 4 in music
- Bella Tiffin-Lowe: 2 grade 8s in PE and history, 3 grade 7s in biology, English language and psychology, 3 grade 6s in chemistry, physics and English literature and grade 5 in maths
- Matthew Bell: 2 grade 8s in chemistry and maths, 2 grade 7s in biology and geography, 2 grade 6s in DT and physics and 3 grade 5s English language, English literature and Spanish
- Minnie Jackson: grade 9 in geography, 3 grade 7s in biology, English language and PE, 3 grade 6s in chemistry, English literature and Spanish and 2 grade 5s in physics and maths
- Oscar Massey: grade 8 in biology, 4 grade 7s in chemistry, geography, maths and physics, grade 6 in English literature and 3 grade 5s in English language, PE and music
- Lily Reay: grade 8 in maths, 3 grade 7s in science and history, 2 grade 6s in DT and English language, 2 grade 5s in English literature and Spanish and grade 4 in art
- Conishah Agho: grade 9 in English literature, 6 grade 6s in biology, chemistry, business studies, English language, geography and physics and 2 grade 5s in maths and Spanish
Ullswater Community College, Penrith
Ullswater Community College staff and students have been celebrating a top set of GCSE results this year.
Headteacher Stephen Gilby, said: “We are really pleased with another set of fantastic GCSE results here at Ullswater to add to the successful week for the sixth form students last week.
“As ever, we are incredibly proud to serve our children, their families and the communities they come from. Results this year once again demonstrate the amount of effort and the resilience of the students alongside their dedication to their studies.
“There are some incredible results and stories amongst the year 11s and we congratulate them all!
“With strong and improving attainment across all our subjects, we know our students will be pleased with their results and will have the keys to get them to where they want to be in September.
“My congratulations to all the young people of Ullswater and across the county on their achievements today and I wish them all the very best for the future.”
Greg Key, head of year 11, added: “The children of our incredible school are far more than a set of grades and we want to celebrate every individual who has shone, for all sorts of reasons, during their time here at Ullswater.
“It has been an enormous privilege to get to know you all and your families, and to be a part of your lives over recent years. Remember – you’ll always be a part of the UCC family so stay in touch and we’ll be here to support you whenever you need us.”
The school gave a special mention to the following students:
- Izzi Alderson
- Ellis Atkinson
- Maria Bartosik
- Lucie Benson
- Abby Booth
- Aaron Brown
- Daniel Davies
- Phoebe Flint
- William Heape
- Rosa Henderson
- Ava Hodgson
- Greta Hulse Davis
- Amy Jackson
- Yaren Karapinar
- Jared Kelly
- Calvin Kipling
- Alexa Lewthwaite
- Arianna Mameli
- Jacob Openshaw
- Isabella Park
- Sam Pattimore
- Lilia Pearson
- Dillon Percy
- Sadie Procter
- Esme Ray
- Ella Ridley-Howard
- Anna Ruane
- Lily Salt
- Claudia Savage
- Ronnie Simpson
- Olivia Stasiak
- Lily Stephenson
- Natalia Szulc
- William Tancred Brown
- Lyla Twomey
- Alex Watson
- Sammy-Jo Wharton
- Taylor Wilson
- Lola Yaseen
- Shaheer Zahid
Keswick School
The school said it had seen a two per cent increase at each grade (9-7) over last year’s results.
As a language centre for the North West – the school said it is particularly delighted that of 140 students who took a modern foreign language, 64 per cent of students studying French achieved grades 9-7 (including 12 grade 9s) and 45 per cent of students study German achieved the same standard, with 15 grade 9s.
A total of 27 grade 9s in modern foreign languages compares favourably with the very best selective and independent schools in the UK.
Simon Jackson, headteacher, said: “I am hugely proud of our students. They have achieved some outstanding results. The GCSE grades awarded today reflect their hard work and dedication. They have been a pleasure to have as part of our Keswick School community.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our exceptional specialist teaching and support staff. They are an incredibly group of staff who always go the extra mile. It is through their care and encouragement that students at Keswick School become confident, caring and highly articulate young people.”
Rev Charles Hope, chair of governors, said: “Results day is always a special day for students, parents and staff. The excitement of receiving the results and sharing news is palpable.
“The results of our Keswick School Year 11 pupils are a wonderful achievement for all our students. The results also reflect the dedication and commitment of our teaching and support staff and their great efforts on behalf of the students.
“The support of parents and carers too is invaluable to their children’s success. Congratulations all round! We look forward to welcoming so many of these Year 11s back into the sixth form!”
Windermere School
2025 is the first year of the school’s new GCSE curriculum with both Years 10 and 11 taking up to three of their GCSEs in one year.
It said both year groups did well, with pass rates of 83% in Year 11 and 87% in Year 10.
Students take two-year GCSEs in maths, English language, literature and modern languages. Other GCSEs are taken over one year, with double time allocated.
Pupils exceeded the national pass rate (67.1%) by over 15% and achieved a substantial value-added score of 0.32, meaning for each subject every student on average gained a third of a grade above national expectations.
40% of pupils’ scores were grades 9-7, almost double the national average of 21.8%.
Head Frank Thompson said: “The restructuring of the curriculum to allow the taking GCSE examinations to be spread over two years has worked well. Pupils entering Year 11 have already got up to three grades under their belts and know what is required to succeed because they have already walked the walk.
“We are a non-selective school, and these impressive results again show the progress achieved from the hard work of both pupils and staff.”
Solway Community School, Silloth
Head Tom Hailwood said: “We are delighted to see all the students across Cumbria Futures Federation as they collect their GCSE results.
“This is a landmark day for them, one they will long remember with great pride, along with the teachers, wider staff, and everyone associated with the federation. We are pleased to see our students’ results today and watch them move successfully onto their next steps.”
Highlights included Jessica Robinson who is now going on to sixth form to study psychology, sociology and health & social care after achieving Grade 5s in Spanish, English and science, and a distinction in BTEC sport.
Keira Brown also received a great set of results and is off to Lakes College, Lillyhall, to study a T-level in childcare and development.
Tomas Smart is now joining the army after successfully passing their difficult selection process. Tomas worked hard and achieved Grade 6s in science and maths.
Braedon Greig is looking forward to going to sixth form to study maths and chemistry having received a Grade 7 in science and Grade 6 in maths.
Nathan Maybury-Potter has already started his apprenticeship, and backs that up with a Grade 5 in maths. Thomas Pattinson is working with Kendal College doing his agricultural apprenticeship having received good results across the board.
Steph Thorp, deputy headteacher, said: “I continue to be proud of this cohort of students; as we all know they had a difficult transition from primary to secondary due to the pandemic.
“Their journey leading up to their GCSE results has not been easy, yet they have remained positive and committed to giving it their all.
“Being by their side over the last five years I have seen them all work hard, both as a collective year group, but also as individuals, each carving out their own future.
“They have supported each other and have grown into a mature and caring group of students. I am excited to see them take their next steps as I have no doubt they all will succeed.”
Chetwynde School, Barrow
Pupils at Chetwynde School celebrated with staff and their friends to mark a successful end to their time at the all-through Rating Lane school.
Many will now go on to study A-levels and T-levels at college while others have secured sought-after apprenticeships and employment.
The highest achievers were Riya Kale, Jorja Turner and Kian Ng who secured high grades across the board.
Aspiring international relations lawyer Riya, who has been at the school since she was four, will now go to study A-levels in history, chemistry and biology.
Kian Ng will take four A-levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.
“My exams went very well and I’ve got everything I hoped for including two 9s and four 8s. The teachers here are very good at what they do,” he said.
“We started in a pandemic but I’d say that’s better than being in Year 11 during the pandemic so I’ll take that.”
Jorja Turner’s plans to go to university have taken a step closer with top grades in her subjects. She will study A-levels in English literature, art and history at Ulverston Sixth Form.
Her friend Imogen Jones was also celebrating after securing a top mark in performing arts – equivalent to a grade 9.
“I’m very happy and looking forward to going to Kendal College to study performing arts as I want to go into musical theatre,” she said.
Twins Elliot and Ellis Turner-Lowther both secured excellent grades in all subjects with exactly the same result in seven out of ten exams.
Ellis is going to study A levels in biology, chemistry, law and psychology while Elliot will go to study a T-level in engineering at Furness College. Elliot will be joined on the T-level course by deputy head boy Jacob Moyse who was very happy to pass his exams with grades including 7s in English language and chemistry.
“I would like to thank the teachers for giving up time for extra revision sessions that really helped,” he said.
His friend Tobias Williamson is looking forward to starting an engineering fitter apprenticeship at Oxleys after securing his grades and Ryley Griffiths has a mechanical fitting apprenticeship at BAE Systems.
Youth Parliament Member Thomas Colquhoun secured 9 GCSEs and will go to Barrow Sixth Form to study politics, law and drama.
“I’m so chuffed with my results and I’ve loved school, being here is being part of a big family,” he said.
Head girl Sophie Ackred was delighted to find out that her grade 9 in maths scored the highest the school had seen.
“Dropping only 10 marks over three papers is pretty good,” she said.
All-round sportswoman Sophie, who is now vice captain of Morecambe Ladies’ Football Team where she plays in goal, will go on to study A-levels with the ambition of going to the United States to play football and studying a degree in sports or maths.
Headteacher Steve Jefferson congratulated all the students.
He said: “Everyone has worked hard to achieve a fantastic set of results. This group never had the opportunity to sit their SATs so it is a credit to them that they have prepared well for exams and succeeded.
“Starting secondary education in a pandemic, they have definitely shown the school’s value of resilience alongside respect and responsibility.
“I am particularly pleased about the number of pupils securing their English and maths GCSEs, which they need, and we know they leave us with the confidence to go on to great things.
“I would also like to thank all our teachers, support staff and the wider South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust community, for their hard work and commitment to our pupils’ futures.”
Didn’t get the grades you wanted?
If you’re unhappy with your GCSE grade, you should first talk to your school or college, you may have the opportunity to sit an exam in the autumn or, in certain circumstances, to appeal the grade through your school/college – remember, grades do not define you.
The National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline is available for young people who need help or advice around exam results or next steps. If you are unsure of your next steps and need some inspiration, you can speak to a career’s adviser – call 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
