TWINS James and Harry Burt proved success may be in the genes with outstanding mirror image results.

No one before them had achieved as many A* GCSEs at their school, but the non-identical brothers, of Spring Gardens Road, in Chappel, doubled up the result with 13 each.

“We have never had 13 A* before, so for two to get the same, and for them to be twins, is pretty amazing,” said headteacher Ken Jenkinson.

Already knowing they had one A* each in astronomy, which they took last year, the 16-year-olds collected their results at Colchester Royal Grammar School yesterday.

And their results were almost exactly the same, as the pair only had one GCSE subject each that was different to the other, with Harry studying German and James tackling geography.

James said they were relieved and pleased with their outstanding results.

He added: “I think it would have been quite hard for me as a twin if we had not done as well as each other. It would have been hard to celebrate if we could not be happy for each other.

Harry agreed: “It would have been awful if one had got all 13 and then the other had been one off. So we are really happy.”

They admit they had to work hard to get their results, but said it helped that they could work together.

"We did not so much as revise together, but we did talk about a lot of things and have long conversations about the subjects, which really helped.

“It helps that we know what the other one is going on about,” said Harry.

Both plan to do A-levels in chemistry and maths but the similarities will end there, with James, who is hoping to eventually pursue a career in law, opting for economics and history and Harry taking physics and geography.

“We are going to celebrate with our friends now and just be very happy,” said Harry.

Another set of twins from Colchester were also celebrating, with CRGS pupil Hirshal Kotecha and his sister Hetal, of Colchester County High School, both racking up a large number of A*s.

Hetal, of Colvin Close, in Lexden, got ten A* and her brother seven A* and four As.

“He knew my results before he got his so he is relieved now he knows he did well himself,” said Hetal.

Continuing the theme of successful twins were Alexandra and Michaela Chidgey, of Little Bromley, who notched up 23 A*s between them at Ipswich High School for Girls.

“I’m so relieved and really pleased. I cracked this morning and looked online to see my Edexcel grades. It has been a lot of hard work, but worth every moment.” said Alexandra.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us along the way.” said Michaela.