GCSE results 2019: Unaccompanied Syrian refugee at Newman Catholic College gets top grades
Omar Alfrouh. Picture: Jonathan Goldberg - Credit: Jonathan Goldberg
The head of a Harlesden boys’ school has been inspired by a Syrian pupil who came to the UK two years ago an unaccompanied minor, but smashed his GCSEs after just five terms.
Omar Alfrouh arrived in London in 2017 aged 16 and enrolled in Newman Catholic College, in Harlesden Road.
Headmaster Danny Coyle said: "When Omar arrived at Newman he could not speak a word of English. Today he passed all his GCSEs with top grades in maths, science, English, RE and performing arts, among others."
He said the pupil, now 18, "embraced much that life has to offer" and has appeared on stage at the National Theatre. "He was also the subject of a TV documentary extolling the benefits of immigration to [our] universal quality of life and collective wealth."
Mr Coyle added: "He has been a central, good humoured, energetic, compassionate and thoroughly engaging part of our community.
You may also want to watch:
"I believe that we are as enriched as a result of our association with Omar as he has been through his with us.
"I am a better person because of Omar's journey, resilience and success. He is an inspiration."
Most Read
- 1 Appeal after woman hit on the head and sexually assaulted in Sudbury
- 2 Brent investigating implications of traffic measures court ruling
- 3 Neasden man charged with murder and knife attacks
- 4 Mass vaccination centre opens in Wembley Park
- 5 Brent residents face £100 council tax hike for Band D property
- 6 Wembley drug dealer jailed for biting, scratching and pushing police
- 7 Man arrested in connection with Neasden murder and two stabbings
- 8 Buyers claim luxury flats are 'nightmare' construction site
- 9 Fundraiser launched after beloved mum found collapsed in Barham Park dies
- 10 Police seek witnesses as Kenton crash victim named as Vimla Matai
The headmaster said the school achieved its "best ever GCSE results" this year.
A quarter of all students receieved a grade at 7 to 9 while 10 per cent achieved a grade 9.
He added: "The school would like to warmly congratulate all our wonderful young men for their success and of course commend the outstanding teachers for the hard work and talent that has paid off so handsomely.
"We look forward to the new term with great anticipation."