There was double delight at Headington Girls School when identical twins Helen and Sylvia Birch gained top A-level results.

The pair from Botley, Oxford, were thrilled to learn Sylvia had achieved three As, and Helen two As and a B.

Helen intends to study biology at Sheffield University while Sylvia will be going to Nottingham to read pharmacy.

Helen said: "We both wanted to go to Nottingham but we decided to make a break. I knew Sylvia would do well."

Sylvia said: "We helped each other out and we're really pleased we've both done well. If I'd done well and Helen hadn't I'd have felt very guilty."

Nationally, results were slightly up on last year. The overall pass rate was 87.8 per cent, from 87.6 per cent last year. The percentage of grades A to C also rose to 56.5 per cent from 55.7 per cent.

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