Robert Winston last night claimed the academic success of students at The Heathland School in Hounslow outshone his at the same age.

The leading scientist and TV personality presented awards to star pupils at the school's senior prize-giving ceremony.

He spoke to assembled students and their parents at the school in Wellington Road South about the importance of a 'rounded education'.

The fertility professor then revealed the award winners on the night, with their clutch of A*s and As, put his own exam results as a schoolboy in the shade.

Despite his glittering scientific career, he said his proudest achievement was raising his three children, and he praised parents in the audience for having done such a good job themselves.

Lord Winston, who took time out from campaigning against Scottish independence to be there, was joined at the awards ceremony by Hounslow's Deputy Lieutenant Maria Pedro.

Chandan Dhiman collects the Sanco Cup for Public Speaking from Professor Robert Winston at The Heathland School's senior prize-giving ceremony in Hounslow (photo by Richard O’Mahoney)

The Heathland School celebrated its best ever A level results this year, with 19 students getting a clean sweep of As or A*s and more than a quarter securing places at top Russell Group universities.

The school's pupils also excelled in their GCSEs, with A*s or As accounting for nearly a third of grades awarded.