A student who escaped the war in Ukraine and arrived in the North East knowing no one has secured top grades and a place at university.
Because of his unique situation, Kyryl Lebedin was given the option to restart year 12 when he joined St John's Catholic School in Bishop Auckland - but the youngster opted to go forward with his studies and managed to secure good grades in his mocks after just two months at school.
In year 13, he thrived and today achieved A in maths, A in further maths and B in physics. He also obtained an international qualification in English and will now read a degree in computer science at Durham Univer
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“I have loved it so much at St John’s and the support I was given was out of this world,” said the 19-year-old, who moved from Ukraine to Bishop Auckland in May 2022.
“The difference between teaching and the atmosphere at St John’s compared to the Ukraine has been amazing and I was over the moon with my results.”
Headteacher Lisa Byron said: “Kyryl has taken his A levels in a year and given all that he has experienced, his results are astounding. He is such a lovely, humble, grateful student and thoroughly deserves his place at a Russell Group university.”
Many of Kyryl's classmates have achieved their dreams too today - a testament to their own determination, and to the school staff's "tireless work".
Ellie Redmond, 18, now plans to become a paramedic after she suffered a panic attack which she believed to be a heart attack.
Paramedics were called to her home in Crook when she was taken ill. She was so impressed with the care she will now study paramedic science at Sunderland University.
“I will really miss the teachers,” said Ellie, who achieved a distinction in Btec business and Bs in sociology and art and design.
“School has been the best, staff are always supportive, comforting and happy even while pushing you.”
Tyler Elleanor, 18, of Bishop Auckland, will study sports journalism at Sunderland University after securing an A* in criminology and two Cs.
“I wasn’t the most committed student lower down the school and was so grateful to be allowed to go to sixth form,” he said.
“School helped me turn my life around and have been so supportive helping me achieve my goal to be a sports journalist.”
Ms Byron added: “We are delighted with our students’ results and achievements; they have been resilient and committed to their studies, despite all of the challenges they have faced during their education.
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“The cohort have been a fabulous group of young people who have supported one another through good times and bad and have been outstanding ambassadors for St John’s.
"Not only have they been dedicated to their studies, but they have also fully embraced all that the school has to offer, including student leadership roles, extra-curricular opportunities and charitable expeditions to Kenya.
“Their excellent results are a testimony to their commitment, hard work and determination to do well. We are so very proud of them and are delighted with their successes.
"Our staff have worked tirelessly to support our students during their time at St John’s and we are all excited to see how they grow from strength to strength in the next chapter of their lives whether that be in education, training or employment.”
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