A pair of Italian twins who spoke no English when they started at a Grays school have achieved excellent grades in their GCSEs.

Claudia and Luciana Alioto both gained 10 A*-C grades after taking their exams at The Hathaway Academy.

Another high performer was Anesu Kusosa, who formed part of the student group that helped set out the academy’s vision. She also scored 10 A*-C grades.

Pupils at the school in Hathaway Road were praised for their hard work by Acting Principal Fatima Rodrigues.

She said: “The progress achieved by our pupils this year is a result of their determination and commitment.

“There are many individual success stories behind the figures, which are testament to the tremendous hard work that has gone on all year by our pupils.”

Joyce Hodgetts, Managing Director of Academy Transformation Trust, added: “We are delighted for all of the pupils and staff. These results demonstrate the hard work and commitment of everyone.”

Youngsters at the academy performed well in French, statistics, physical education, business studies, music and religious studies.

The academy’s results were in line with the national average, using the new Progress 8 performance measures introduced this year, which capture pupils’ progress from leaving primary school to the end of secondary school.