Refugee scored top marks in her GCSE's (From Your Local Guardian)

Refugee Hania Saleem from Epsom scored top marks in her GCSE's

5:13pm Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

A refugee has scored top marks in her GCSE's, after only starting at a UK school in February.

Hania Saleem, 16, of Manor Green Road, Epsom, gained A* grades in maths and biology.

The star student, who studied in Blenheim High School, also got A grades in chemistry, physics, religious education, Urdu and a B in English.

Miss Salem moved to the UK last August, after seeking refuge because her Ahmadiyya Muslim community faces persecution in Pakistan.

The family first tried to get her into a school in Cardiff last year, but were unsuccessful.

They then settled in Epsom in September and she managed to get a place in Blenheim High School.

Miss Saleem said she is pleased with her results, but is hoping to get her English paper remarked.

She said: "When I opened the envelope I was quite nervous. I did year 10 in Pakistan, I had studied some of the stuff.

"It was hard, but it was ok for me."

Miss Saleem's hopes to study a Biology-related subject at university, and is trying to get a place to take science A Levels at Rosebery School.