GCSE exam results

Alan Mottershead is the Headteacher of Trinity School in Carlisle.

He says that he will be approaching the exam board about the English GCSE:

Simon Boothroyd lost both of his parents and has been looked after by his foster parents for the past three years.

He said his family have been really supportive, but in the run up to his exams, he has had a tougher time than most:

For students who may have received some unexpected results, the national exam results helpline will be open until noon on Saturday (24th August).

Parents and students can talk to experienced, impartial and friendly careers advisers who will talk through what options are available, including higher education, taking a gap year and finding employment.

David Murdoch, a student who called the helpline, said:

“It was really great to have someone properly explain my options - what I could do, alternatives I hadn’t thought about, and the processes I needed to go through. Best of all, I got objective advice.”

The Exam Results Helpline can be reached on 0808 100 8000. Calls are free from landlines. Mobile network charges vary.

For further information including opening hours, click here.

Cumbria has fared better than some regions in England, but in some schools there is unhappiness with the English grades and at least one school is planning to appeal.

Tim Backshall reports:

Girls have continued to out-perform boys in GCSEs, recording higher results at A* and A*-C across all subjects.

The proportion of GCSEs awarded at least a C grade has fallen for the second year running.

The number of entries who scored A*-C this summer dropped by 1.3% to 68.1% - the biggest fall in the exam's 25-year history.

Those gaining top grades has also fallen by 0.5% - with 6.8% achieving an A*.

Watch: GCSE pupils open their results

Thousands of students across Cumbria are opening their GCSE exam results today.

There are many options available to all students, including further education and apprenticeships.

The Cumbria Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust has two apprenticeships available, offering students the chance to earn whilst they learn.

Sarah Foster applied successfully for the apprenticeship in 2012:

“This apprenticeship was a fantastic opportunity for me. I never thought that I would

gain the relevant skills so quickly, and have a permanent job within just a few

months.

"The team are brilliant to work alongside; my assessor from Training2000 is

very supportive and always there to answer any queries I may have.”

If you have 5 GCSEs including English and Maths and would like to apply for an apprenticeship with CPFT then click here.