A pair of identical twins have been awarded identical grades after finishing the same apprenticeship.

Jessica and Melissa Morris, 19, have completed their Early Years Educator apprenticeships at Blackburn College and have both received a distinction grade.

The twins, who are from Darwen, are now both working in nurseries with Jessica working for Rainbows Nursery in Darwen and Melissa working at the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Nursery in Blackburn.

As part of their apprenticeships, Jessica and Melissa were required to complete an End Point Assessment, which is a final assessment that tests their knowledge and skills that they have built up from the duration of their apprenticeship. This included conducting two months of research, completing a knowledge test and also taking part in a 90-minute professional discussion.

Jessica, who studied at St Bede’s RC High School, said: “It was a great feeling and especially nice that we both achieved a distinction in our end point assessment. Our family are so pleased for us.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to get a distinction so I am very happy with my result.

“I am happy and enjoying my role at Rainbows Nursery in Darwen. I think in the future it would be nice to get experience of working in a primary school, that’s something that we both want to look at later on."

Tutor, Kathryn Waqar-Uddin said: “Both Jessica and Melissa are part of the first group to go through the End Point Assessment for the Early Years Educator Standard at Blackburn College and it is testament to their professionalism and hard work that they have achieved a distinction.

“The impact that both Jessica and Melissa are having with the children they work with is brilliant to see. They are making a real difference to the children and families they are now working with.”