TWO students from Ukraine, who between them gained five A*s and four As, are beginning their preparations to go to university.

Pupils from Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Olga Zadvorna and her twin brother Anatolii, had wide smiles when they heard the news that they would be able to go to Oxford and Bristol universities.

Not only did the twins have to cope with the rigours of their academic studies, they also had to grasp the English language, when they joined the Sixth Form as boarders.

After their success, Olga will be going to Oxford to study physics and Anatolii will head to Bristol to study Computer Science.

Headmaster, James Lockwood, praised the achievements of this year’s A-level students, he said: “With an overall 99.7% pass rate and 83.4% A* to C grades, I am confident that our pupils will gain places at a university of their choice despite the increased competition this year.

“Nearly a third of grades awarded were A*s or As and 13 pupils gained impressive three A grades or above.

“I am delighted with what all our students have achieved, both in their A-level examinations and in terms of the life experiences they have gained here at the Royal Hospital School.

“Our aim is not only to unlock the full academic potential of each individual but also to encourage pupils to discover themselves, develop a passion and make the very most of the opportunities presented to them. This is what helps to produce happy, rounded, grounded young people who live balanced and full lives.”