Twinning! Sisters prepare for university life as they celebrate A-level success
They're not just twins, they're best friends - and now sisters Lauren and Charlotte Smith are set to continue their adventures together at university.
The siblings left Great Barr's Q3 Academy with beaming smiles and in high spirits after discovering they both secured a place at University of Exeter.
Family and friends will come together for a celebratory shindig this weekend before the pair leave home for higher education on their 19th birthday.
Charlotte said: "I'm a little nervous but excited. It's definitely been time-consuming but I feel it was all worth it in the end."
Lauren managed to scoop three A grades in history, maths and religious education, while Charlotte was awarded two A grades and a B in chemistry, history and maths.
The 18-year-old students said they were 'happy' they secured a place at their first choice of university and will now continue studying side by side.
They are planning to wave goodbye to Great Barr and enjoy their first day at university on September 16, when they turn 19.
Lauren said: "We're the best of friends. It's been really good studying together. A lot of people don't have anyone to revise with, but we had each other."
Charlotte added: "It's going to be weird and we might get a bit stressed out making new friends on our birthday but we are going to try."
Fellow student Sophie Osborne was also over the moon after finding out she had been awarded three A grades in sociology, religious studies and English language and literature.
Her year group was the first cohort of students to under take the reformed two-year A level syllabus , with exams taken at the end of two years of studying.
The 18-year-old said: "I was so surprised. It's been so difficult doing the new courses. We couldn't believe how difficult they were but to get these grades is really good. I'm very happy with them."
The student is now preparing to study sociology and social anthropology at University of Manchester.
A total of 61 students collected their results at the Wilderness Lane school, with the academy's average grade rising to a C.
Head of School Mark Arnull said: “We are thrilled for all our students who have worked so hard with the support of their families and teachers and they have been rewarded with a great set of results.
"More students than ever before have completed three A Levels, the average grade has increased and more students than before are looking forward to beginning university and apprenticeships.”
