A-level results: Newham twins keep it in the family with top grades

Thurga and Thuvaaraga Velmurugan celebrate 3 A*s each at London Academy of Excellence (Image: Archant)

Marco and Marianna Marcelline, of Capel Road, Forest Gate, will be jetting off to the University of St Andrews, Scotland, to study for a degree in International Relations together.

The 18-year-olds, who were celebrating alongside other students at St Angela’s Ursuline and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form, told the Recorder that they did not plan to enrol onto the same course.

The pair gained eight A and A* grades between them and coincidentally wore matching maroon jumpers as they picked up their results.

Marianna, who achieved one A* and three A grades, said: “He copied me. I wanted to go as far away as possible and he just followed.

“I’m quite nervous about moving so far away and we only have a couple of weeks left in London because we’re going to Italy for a wedding first and as soon as we get back, we’ll be moving to Scotland pretty much straight away as we start our course at the beginning of September.”

Marco, who achieved three A* and one A grades, added: “She actually copied me on the course. But we both went to the open day for the university and really liked it.

“I don’t know how to feel about my results though. I am very happy and relieved but I am excited to be going to St Andrews, it’s going to be a new experience for us.”

For twins Thurga and Thuvaaraga Velmurugan, it’s not so much about the same university as the same A-levels.

The 17-year-olds celebrated A*s in biology, chemistry and maths and were left speechless as they opened their envelopes at the London Academy of Excellence together.

While Thurga has plans to study pharmacy at University College London, her sister’s future could change.

“I’ve got a place to study biomed at Kings, but I want to go through adjustment,” said Thuvaaraga.