TODAY, students across Cumbria receive their A-Level results.

Exam results day is always a day filled with excitement for many, high emotions and mixed feelings depending on individual results.

It is also a day to acknowledge the great work of Cumbria’s students, as well as all the excellent work done by school heads, teachers and parents. It is a chance for students to look ahead and focus on the opportunities ahead of them – be that Further Education, Higher Education, Employment and/or Training.

All students and schools are to be congratulated for their exceptional efforts in what has been a unique and exceptionally challenging year for all involved, with the cancellation of exams announced in spring to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and keep schools, colleges and wider communities safe.

Commenting this morning on results day, Cllr Sue Sanderson, the Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning at the county council, said: “Today is a day for celebration and although it will also be filled with mixed emotions for many I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our young people for staying positive during such a challenging time.

"I also want to say thank you to all the head teachers, teachers, parents and carers for all their support to our young people over the last few months. We must remember today is about people, it is about the future of our young people 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 that lie ahead.

"Finally I want to take this opportunity to reassure everyone about the significant amount of work going on behind the scenes to help get our education system back on track. Our plans are progressing really well to reopen our schools and childminding facilities in September and again I want to say a huge thanks to everyone who is working so hard to make this happen.”

While no guarantees have been given about students being able to achieve 'at least what they did in their mocks,' the recent announcement from Number 10 does enable this to be considered, subject to supporting evidence within the appeals process.

Through the Government's 'triple lock' system, any student who are still unhappy with their A or AS level grade will have the opportunity to sit an exam in the autumn, or, in certain circumstances, to appeal the grade through their school or college.

Other support is also available from the following: Inspira: https://www.inspira.org.uk/careers-advice-on-results-day; UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/events/2020-entry-clearing-opens-348886; the National Careers Service Exam Results Helpline - The Exams Results Helpline runs from Wednesday, August 12 and continues until Friday, August 28. It is available for young people, and their parents or carers looking for careers support, who can contact the helpline on 0800 100 900 from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.