Teachers did a double take today when they opened the postbag to reveal pupils' GCSE results.

For three sets of twins from the same school notched up an amazing 51 A and A star grades between them.

Sian and David Wigley, Michelle and Joanna Lupton and Christian and Jane Kinane, all aged 16, are now preparing to hit the books again for their A-Levels.

Liz Cox, deputy headteacher at St Mary's Comprehensive School, Menston, said: "This is a remarkable achievement - it's incredible that all three sets of twins have done so well."

At Dixons City Technology College in Bradford there were tears of joy today as nearly 140 students collected their GCSE results. Staff were delighted with the "truly excellent" results, with all students achieving at least eight GCSE passes.

"I am particularly impressed by the performance of the less academic students, all of whom achieved at least one grade D and never fell below a grade F," said Trevor Burton, director of teaching and learning.

Zoe Reynolds, from Wibsey, struggled against dyslexia throughout her college career but has triumphed by coming out with a B grade, five Cs, and three Ds. "Although my C in English may not be the best result on my sheet, it's the best thing I have ever done," a tearful Zoe said.

Katie Conway was also celebrating - serious illness kept her out of college for long periods, but by working hard she has achieved four Cs, two Ds and two Es.

Some of the top results were gained by Thackley teenager Sarah Maystone who got four starred As, five As and three Bs and will go on to study for four A levels at the CTC.

Staff at Bradford's Bowling Community College were also celebrating after recording a 50 per cent improvement in its pass rate.

The College had the worst results in the district last year with just six per cent of pupils passing five GCSEs at grades A-C, but today's results show that figure has risen to nine per cent.

Deputy head teacher Phil King said: "We've really tried to attack the exams, with extra teaching in the Easter holidays and a range of homework clubs. Those pupils who have put in the effort are reaping the rewards today.

"If the kids are prepared to meet us halfway we can really turn the results around, but you can only do so much. There's no point setting unrealistic targets."

Carlton Bolling College is also expecting an improvement on a 14 per cent rate. Head teacher Simon Willis, said: "Early indications are that we have improved on last year's performance."

At the other end of the scale, the independent Bradford Girls Grammar School maintained it's perfect record with a 100 per cent pass rate for five GCSEs grades A-C - to the joy of head teacher Lynda Warrington.

Nationally there was a slight increase in the pass rate for grades A-C - up by 0.3 per cent to 54.7 per cent. But this year, there has been a worrying drop in the overall pass rate with entries awarded no grade at all up from 1.5 per cent to 2.3 per cent.

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