Ealing's GCSE students have produced an excellent set of results, with many schools reporting their best performances on record.

Across the borough, individual schools celebrated major improvements in their overall 5A*-C results. The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls in Acton reported a 7% improvement in their A*-C results - up to 76% - while Brentside High School in Hanwell reported a 5% improvement up to 46%.

Meanwhile, 85 per cent of students at Twyford Church of England High School in Acton achieved 5A*-C grades, up 1% on last year's score.

Among the star achievers were twins Jonathan and Andrew Hackett, of Northfields, who achieved straight As. The 16-year-old students at Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell, West London, said they had been surprised by their success. Jonathan achieved 11A*s, while Andrew achieved 9A*s and 2As. "I was expecting good results, but not this good. I studied hard," Jonathan said. The twins now plan to study A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate at Richmond College. Both said they did not yet have their sights set on specific careers.

"I'm keeping my options open," Andrew said. "I'm an all-rounder. I like sciences and humanities but I don't really have a favourite subject. "It did help to revise together and we had a bit of rivalry with results. We both wanted to do well."

Headteacher Mohamed Sabur said the twins were among a group of 25 pupils who had achieved almost straight As, "with just one or two Bs among them". He said, "Taking into account the prior attainment of this year group, I'm delighted with their progress and their achievements."

There was also a high level of success amongst 'looked after' children in the borough. At least eight of Ealing's young people in care will progress to university this autumn after achieving great A-Level results. Nationally, the number of care leavers who pursue higher education is around 1%. In Ealing that figure is 12% - the highest in the country. Among the success stories is Darrell Gilbert, 18, of Southall, who achieved three As and a C and will now study Forensic Sciences at Middlesex or Manchester Universities. Brian Nugent, of Acton also achieved exceptional marks.

August 30, 2006