A South Lakes student has spoken of her relief after attaining her required A Level grades, while a considerable number of her peers failed to do so.

Jolie Winder, from Heysham, is now going to study Criminology at Edge Hill University, after achieving a B in Law and Cs in Psychology and Sociology.

"I was expecting all Ds before opening my results today" she said.

"I really wanted to sit the exam, so feels a bit strange getting the piece of paper not having done that.

"Quite a few people I know - in other schools, mainly - were really upset with what they got. So I'm really relieved I got what I needed to get into my first-choice university."

Around 40 per cent of students in England achieved grades lower than those predicted by their teachers yesterday, with commentators arguing smaller and often privately-educated classes benefitting from the controversial new grading system.

Ms Winder's Law teacher at Kendal College Daniel Millican said: "I'm really pleased with all my students' work this year.

"They've worked very hard in difficult, unprecedented circumstances.

"Smaller cohorts, like mine, do seem to have done better in terms of grade predictions being followed more closely.

"In the end, we've just had to do our best within the new framework and guidance provided by the Government. I hope that all the digital classes will help equip our students for the world of work, after these last few months."

Another Kendal College student, Lauren Woof, gained an A* in Law, an A in English and an A in Psychology yesterday.

She had secured a place at Oxford University, but has now decided to stay local and study Law at Lancaster University.

A BTEC student at the College, Victoria Orr, said yesterday: "I’ve just completed Production, Theatre & Events Level 3, which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels. College has given me the freedom to be independent, and to grow and learn more about myself.

"The tutors treat and respect you like an adult, and they are always there if you need help with college work or advice.

"I’m going onto study Theatre; Writing, Directing and Performing at the University of York.

"My current end goal is to become a manager of one of the big West End theatres in London."