A REFUGEE from Syria was one of many students across Worcester to score highly in their GCSEs yesterday.

Mohammed Alchami moved to the UK in July 2017 and has only been speaking English for two years, but achieved predominantly 7s, 8s and 9s in his exams this summer at Christopher Whitehead College.

The teenager wants to go on to study medicine and qualify as a doctor so he can return to his homeland to help others less fortunate as much as he can.

Fellow Christopher Whitehead pupils Ayesha Maqsood and Hira Avaas were fasting at the time of the exams, with the former admitting “it was quite difficult for us but we got the grades and we pulled through”.

It’s the second year for the new grading system with the likes of RGS Worcester celebrating achieving some of its best ever results.

John Pitt, head of the school, on the Tything, said: “This was the first year that all of the subjects were graded under the new GCSE system and the pupils and teachers have worked particularly hard to adapt to the more challenging examinations.”

Amongst the pupils collecting their results at The King’s School Worcester were four sets of twins: Olivia and Sophie Burden, Aston and Olivia Campbell-Kerr, Millie and Sophie Connor and Ellie and Lani Overfield.

The school saw four students achieve a clean sweep of top marks: Tom Angell, Ben Hale, Henny Hodges and Amy Yorke.

Ben was on cloud nine after achieving grade 9s and A*s across all of his 11 subjects, following in his twin brothers impressive A Level results last week where they achieved nine A*’s between them.

Tom, who received 11 grades A*/9, said: “I’m thrilled with my results and I’m so shocked by how well I’ve done.”

Similarly, Hanley Castle pupil Lily Xia also swept the board with 10 grade 9s in each of her subjects.

Headteacher of Nunnery Wood Steve Powell said: “It has been a very positive year and we are very excited to see so many happy students.

“Our progress reflects the high achievement of our students and we couldn’t be happier.”

Tudor Grange Academy recorded 24 grades at top grade 9.

RGS Dodderhill is celebrating another year of 'excellent' GCSE results.

Headmistress Catherine Mawston said: “I am very proud of the fabulous group of young women who have shown the determination and resilience which will se them in good stead for future success."

The school achieved a pass rate of 92 per cent at grade 4 or above, with 94 per cent of girls accomplishing this in at least five subjects.

Alice Ryan, head girl, received 9-7’s (the equivalent of A/A*s) in all of her subjects.

Every student taking English literature, English language, geography, art and the individual sciences passed their exams with many achieving over grade 7’s.

Twins from the school, Anya and Ischia Turk,both received 9’s in Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

Tudor Grange Academy students are celebrating this year following another positive set of GCSE results.

Continuing the recent trend Maths, English and Science have again performed strongly.

Maisie Leyland achieved seven grade 9s and two grade 8s and a distinction at grade 6 Music; Tiana Lacey six grade 9s and three grade 8s; Benjamin Leeson three grade 9s, three 8s, one 7 and one 6; Ollie Hoinville one 9, five 8s, two 7s and one 6.

The school has also recorded twenty four grades at top grade 9.

A spokesman for the school said: "As a school we are extremely proud of our students and their achievements which are testament to all the hard work the students and staff have put in.

"We are looking forward to continuing to build on this success next year.

"We are so pleased to see our children leaving as happy, fulfilled and successful young adults."