Virtual celebrations were in order for staff and learners at Lakes College after receiving GCSE resit results for English and maths.

Learners at the college, based in Lillyhall, Workington, who do not hold a Grade 4 in GCSE English and maths, equivalent to a C, study additional classes to ensure they achieve the pass mark.

A grade C in the subjects leads to better prospects and more employability options.

Yasmin Taylor-Stott, 17, who is studying Sport at the college, received her GCSE maths and English exam results.

Yasmin said: “This was my second time resitting my exams, and I managed to pass them both with grade 4s! I wasn’t expecting it and would like to thank my tutors for their help in achieving this grade.”

Adam Newstead, 17, is studying Level 2 Joinery, he said: “This was my third time sitting my English GCSE exam, and I was confident I would pass this time. I was so happy to achieve a Grade 5, but it’s a shame I can’t celebrate it properly. This will definitely help me with getting a better job in the future, and I’m enjoying my joinery course so will look for work in that area.”

Ann, Adam’s mum, said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to bits – Adam seemed pretty confident, and we told him we would be more than happy if he got a Grade 4. Achieving a Grade 5 is the best news we could have asked for, and now that it’s done he can go on and concentrate on what he wants to do.”

Leah Dolan, 18, achieved the Level 4 she needed. Leah, a Level 3 Childcare learner said: “I was really nervous to receive my result, but my tutors did a lot to support my learning and even held extra classes to make sure that I was confident in my abilities.

“I’m so happy to have achieved a Level 4 grade, and will probably order a takeaway tonight to celebrate!”

Staff and students have had to remain resilient during the pandemic. The college quickly moved to a mix of remote and face-to-face learning during the first lockdown.

Chris Nattress, principal at Lakes College, said: “I’m delighted to see so many of our students passing their resits in GCSE maths and English, and congratulate each of them in achieving a very valuable qualification. We work very hard with students who join us without a pass in these subjects and I’m always thrilled when the hard work of learners and staff pays off.”

He said: “We know what a positive difference a pass in maths and English GCSE can make to progress and opportunity, and make sure we do all we can to help students achieve this standard. Very well done all!