A TEENAGER who arrived in Bournemouth five years ago speaking barely any English is one of today’s A-level high-flyers.

Mateusz Dyda was among the amazing success stories behind yesterday’s exam results.

Although the number of A and A* grades fell nationally, many local schools bucked the trend and were reporting their best year ever.

When Mateusz arrived in Bournemouth from Poland five years ago he could barely speak English but he is now celebrating three A*s at St Peter’s School, Southbourne .

The 18-year-old, from Helyar Road, Bournemouth, said: “I’m really pleased. I was not expecting the result in physics. think it’s because of the teachers. The ones I had were very caring towards me.

“I got a lot of help with English so I settled in quite quickly.”

Emily Hudson, 18, from Charminster, gained As in dance, drama and history and an A* in English literature, also at St Peter’s.

She said: “It was not too stressful getting my results because I was told beforehand that I did okay. I’m going to York University to study history.”

Catrin Fernyhough, 18, of Bournemouth School for Girls got three A*s and one A and will study medicine at King’s College London.

Almaz Gaere, 18, is going to the London School of Economics to study social anthropology after also gaining three A*s and one A.

At Twynham School in Christchurch, top performer was Harald Grantham-Hill, 18, who achieved two A* and two A grades, all at A-level, as well as an AS Level at A grade. Jennifer Gee achieved 3 A* grades and will study Chemical Engineering at Bath University.

At Ferndown Upper , Lauren Pavett, 18, was celebrating after achieving four A-Levels A*-B, meaning she has won her place at Bristol University, studying Maths and Philosophy.

She said: “It feels amazing and as I’m one of those people who doubts themselves, I was so happy to open my results and find out that I had done so well.”

Friends Tom Godfrey and Toby Bastable were also pleased with their results, with Tom gaining one A* and two As at A-level, and Toby receiving three As at A-Level. Tom will now be going to study Philosophy at Warwick University and Toby will study Chemical Engineering at Loughborough.

MORE MAKING THE GRADES

Top students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne included Emma Lang, who achieved five A* grades, Kristina Sawyer who got four A-levels at A* grade and Rory Pearson, who achieved four A grades.

Among high achievers at St Edward’s School in Poole was Keiran Porter, 18, who managed A* grades in chemistry and physics, an A in maths and a B in German.

And Nick Telfer, 18, of Bearwood , battled back from serious illness to gain A*, A and B grades in geography, history and maths.

“It’s been pretty hard,” he admitted. “I thought I had messed up the maths, so I’m really pleased, I’m going to stay here to do chemistry A level.”

At Lychett Minster School, the top performing students, each with three A* and A grades at A-level were Susie Wright from Upton, and Jack Levy and Elliott Mason from Lytchett Matravers.