IT was all smiles at Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College this morning after the school recorded another excellent year of A-Level results. An impressive 97.4 per cent of students gained A to E grades, while 69 per cent gained A to C grades – up o

IT was all smiles at Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form College this morning after the school recorded another excellent year of A-Level results.

An impressive 97.4 per cent of students gained A to E grades, while 69 per cent gained A to C grades - up on the figures from last year.

Triplets Victoria, Elizabeth and Stuart Fallas, 18, from Thaxted, made it a successful family affair by all securing places at their chosen universities.

Victoria was the school's top scorer, achieving As in English Literature, History, Law, Philosophy and General Studies. She is now going to Caius College, Cambridge to study English.

"I was screaming when I opened the results - I had to read it three times," she said. "You really don't think you've done that well and the wait is horrible. It hasn't quite sunk in yet.

"I can't wait to get started at Uni. I'd really like to be a book or art critic."

Elizabeth and Stuart are both going to the University of East Anglia in Norwich; Elizabeth to study Nursing, Stuart to study International Relations and Modern History.

Elizabeth, who achieved a C in Sociology and Ds in English Literature, History and General Studies, said: "I'm pleased with the results. I'm very excited about starting at Uni."

Stuart, who got a B in History and Cs in Law, and Government and Politics, said: "I found out this morning on the Internet that I'd been accepted but was still eager to know how I'd done. I'm quiet pleased with my results."

Mum Jane said: "We are just so proud of them all - I've been crying all morning. They're all going to university at the same time and the house will feel quite different."

Grace Millar was another top scorer at the Great Dunmow school, achieving four A grades, in Philosophy, English, Dance and Psychology.

She said: "I'm very pleased. I worked quite hard but it is still a surprise. I never thought I had done that well and was so worried. It's such a relief."

The 18-year-old from Dunmow is now off to Warwick University to study Philosophy and Psychology.

"I don't have a career in mind yet," she said. "I just want to enjoy it and then see where it takes me."

HRS' other top scorers were Martha Brindle, 18 from Thaxted with four A grades; and Nicholas Rooney, 18 from Dunmow, Emma Fidge, 18 from Felsted, Andrew Marin, 18 from Dunmow and Sarah Young, 18 from Felsted, who all gained three A grades.

Head of Sixth Form, Matthew Fletcher, said: "I am once again delighted as both AS and A2 results have improved once more. These results are a reflection of the hard work and conscientious approach of the students and their teachers coupled with the sustained support of their parents."

More results from schools in the area will be added later.