TEENAGERS across South Lakeland and Cumbria are receiving their results today and will find out if they have made it into their chosen universities.

The traditional system of taking exams had to be scrapped amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Today’s grades have been based on the judgement of each person’s school or college in the absence of exams, although the marks handed down have still been monitored by exam boards to ensure the same standards are applied for students across the board.

And, in an effort to ease concerns about the new procedures, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson yesterday announced a ‘triple lock’ system to provide students with ‘added security’.

The ‘triple lock’ process will enable students to accept the grades awarded to them, appeal to receive a result from a mock exam taken previously, or sit autumn exams.

Mr Williamson said: “Every young person waiting for their results wants to know they have been treated fairly.

“By ensuring students have the safety net of their mock results, as well as the chance of sitting autumn exams, we are creating a triple lock process to ensure confidence and fairness in the system.

“No-one wanted to cancel exams - they are the best form of assessment - but the disruption caused by Covid-19 meant they were not possible.

“This triple lock system will help provide reassurance to students and ensure they are able to progress with the next stage of their lives.”

Those who did not receive their chosen grades can also apply for a place at university through clearing.

A student who does not meet the entry requirements for their course or has not received a university offer is automatically entered into clearing.

The University of Cumbria has its own clearing hotline, with a team on hand to guide people through the process.

Its website says: “Our clearing hotline is now open, you can speak to our friendly team about your options.”

Visit ub.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing for more.