Talented students from Barrow Sixth Form College have showcased the artwork that has earned them university places on sought-after degree courses.

Four artists have gained offers at different universities after studying on the post-18 foundation course in art, design and media at the college’s Centre of Excellence for Art and Design.

Rachael Gregory, Jay Turner, Harvey Brockway and Kelly Hannah invited their household bubbles to view their work in a small exhibition at the Rating Lane campus this week.

Nikki Conigliaro, Subject Leader for Art and Design/Photography, said: “They have done incredibly well and conquered so much in the past nine months, creating impressive portfolios. They really kept myself and the other tutor Andy going with their drive and enthusiasm to succeed."

Rachael and Jay were thrilled to achieve the top mark of distinctions. Rachel showcased her interactive installation looking at mental health and anxiety called ‘Taking back control’ and will go to Liverpool Hope University to study fine art while Jay will head to the University of Greenwich to study architecture. His final project was housing pods for the homeless including renewable energy and urban farming.

Student Kelly Hannah who is going to study at De Montfort University in Leicester to study a degree in illustration and graphic design said the course was a chance to experiment and develop skills in styles and medias including 3D, different types of print, animation, graphic design and more.

“The course has given me the confidence to try out ideas and to push myself to work hard as hard work really does pay off."

The Foundation Course in Art, Design and Media is open to anyone over 18 through to adult learners. For more information, or to apply, visit the website www.furness.ac.uk