NICOLA Gale and Thomas Jenkins are celebrating after getting two of the best marks in the country in the GCSE English exam.

The North Bromsgrove High School students were among the top five nationally out of the 380,000 pupils who took the test.

Nicola, from Central Road, Bromsgrove, and Thomas, of Easemore Road, Redditch, were taught by teacher Anna Dear and have been in the same group with each other for the past three years.

The achievement topped an impressive set of results for the pair, with Nicola getting nine A*s and one A grade and Thomas gaining five A*s, four As and one B grade.

Both pupils have returned to the school's sixth form, where the same teacher will overlook their progress.

Nicola said: "I'm going to study English, history, French and chemistry. I'm looking forward to coming back."

Thomas, who is studying English literature, history, geography and politics, said: "We were in a great group for three years, that really helped."

Teacher Anna added: "I am proud of them, delighted for them and glad to have the chance to continue working with them."