A student who has English as a second language has scored a raft of top GCSE results and dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Fatima Abukar, 16, from Croydon picked up a grade 7, five 6s and two fives at Orchard Park School in Croydon.

The youngster, whose mother tongue is Somali but was born in the UK now plans to study A levels in history, psychology and sociology at Sixth Form.

Fatima said: “The school have been great, they put on lots of extra revision classes and things for us.

“My friends and family have been there for me, while I’ve been studying. My friends and I have been supporting each other, going through the same thing.”

“I’ve been so nervous, I’m just relieved. For me revision and preparation for the exams was more stressful than doing them.

“My advice would be to start preparing early and to organise your revision time table. I’m so glad it’s over now, I feel like a big weight has been lifted.”

It comes as her school Orchard Park High School saw an improvement in GCSE results for the third year in a row.

The school was ranked the most improved in the borough last year after a half point grade in their progress 8 score.

And they have improved once again this year with another jump and now have a score of plus 0.16, which is well above national average.

Progress 8 measures the progress as student makes between starting the school aged 11 and when they leave after their GCSEs.

Headteacher Ciara Warnock said: “I am delighted that this cohort of students have made exceptional progress. These results reflect the hard work and effort of all students, teachers and supportive parents.

This is our third year of improved outcomes which demonstrates the school is going from strength to strength and is one of the most successful schools in Croydon.”

“Staff and students work with great belief that anything and everything is possible and this positive attitude allows students to flourish and grow.”