ANOTHER impressive year of A-levels at Peter Symonds College saw students secure a 99% pass rate, with 27 sets of twins taking exams this year.

There were sighs of relief echoing around the corridors as students opened the results envelopes.

Among those was Thomas Sharpe, who achieved the grades he needed to begin studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) next month.

Thomas studied maths, further maths and chemistry during his time at Peter Symonds.

He achieved an A* in all three of these subjects, making him one of the three most successful students at the college to finish this year.

He said: "Honestly, I didn't get much sleep last night. But hard work pays off and I'm now excited to start at LSE."

The college saw 27 sets of twins taking A-levels this year, among whom were Himmat and Arjun Sohal.

The Chandler's Ford pair both studied maths, physics and chemistry.

They both achieved A grades in all three of their A-levels, and will be attending Bath University together to study chemical engineering.

Himmat said: "I’m looking forward to moving away for the independence, but it’s always nice to know that there’s someone who you can trust nearby."

His brother added: "It will be nice to go together as we can push each other to do well.

"We’ve always had a competitive upbringing which boosts how hard we work."

The twins' maths and chemistry classmate Mary Strevens, who also studied biology, spoke of her success.

The Winchester teenager achieved an A* grade in all three A-levels and has been accepted into Oxford University to study biomedical science.

She said: "Studying my A-levels was really fun here. I am looking forward to going to uni and to start studying."

Fellow Winchester school St Swithun's saw a rise in A* grades for the second consecutive year, with 46 per cent of the students achieving three A grades or higher.

The results saw leavers earning places at top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and LSE.

Headmistress Jane Gandee said: “We are delighted for this year’s leavers and proud of their achievements.

“The fact that they have performed so highly in this, the first year of the new linear A-level courses in seven subjects is testament to their resilience and determination, as well as to the hard work of our dedicated and inspiring teachers.

“We wish our leavers every success as they move into the next stages of their lives and look forward to hearing of their continued progress.”