TWIN sisters from Somerset will soon be living apart for the first time after achieving identical A-level results and gaining places at different universities.

Elena and Rose Launder, who live in Somerton and studied at Millfield School in Street, excelled in their exams and both received straight A*s. 

The outstanding results mean the twins, 18, will move to different cities ahead of the new academic year - meaning they will be be living apart for the first time.

Elena achieved her grades in biology, Spanish, and product design, enabling her to study biological sciences at Exeter University. 

Rosa's A*s came in French, maths, and product design. She will move to Edinburgh to train to become an architect.

Rosa said: “We didn’t want to go to the same university. We’ve been together for so long, and we’ll see each other in the holidays.”

Elena added: “It’s nice to start our own life separately, nice to have our own universities.”

Rosa dreams of founding her own architecture firm and designing her own properties, while Elena is interested in stem cell research or working with animals. 

Elena is also passionate about property design, which she aims to maintain alongside her science degree.

Asked if she would employ her sister, Rosa said: “We’ve talked about maybe starting something together in the future and see where we end up.

“We are open to anything and we’ve got similar styles, so why not?”

The twins joined Millfield's Prep School as flexi-boarders in year four. 

They decided to join the school after visiting one of their older brother's sports days. 

Elena and Rosa are half-English and half-Dutch but grew up in Majorca, Spain, before moving to Somerset to attend Millfield. 

They could speak some English when they arrived but they could not write in the language. 

They could soon speak and write fluently in English after immersing themselves into Millfield Prep life.

The scholars hold different interests beyond their academic lives. Rosa played netball, achieved a grade eight in double bass, and played percussion in several concerts and ensembles. 

Elena gained a passion for hiking after travelling to Norway and Iceland and completed her gold Duke of Edinburgh award at Millfield.

They boarded at Millfield together for sixth form in Butleigh House and said a highlight was making friends with people from around the world.

Their houseparent, Emma Watambwa, said: “Elena is a true all-rounder.

“Her academic endeavours are exemplary and she has made valuable contributions to fencing and has developed her leadership skills through her role as prefect.

“Rosa has been involved in so many areas of school life through music, netball and being a prefect whilst maintaining an exemplary academic record.

“I am certain that both girls will be highly successful at university with their vibrant and committed attitudes.”

Reflecting on a decade at Millfield, Elena said: “The support from all our teachers has been great.

“So many teachers are so dedicated and will see us in their free time.

“I’d say to anyone starting, take advantage of all the opportunities. Work hard but enjoy yourself.”

Rosa added: “My favourite part of Millfield is all of the trips.

“Everything at Millfield is becoming more equal now with girls in sport and it’s been great to be a part of that movement.

“Sustainability has been taken a lot more seriously as well, which is really important.”