Dasha Bondarenko had a smile as wide as the Black Sea after checking out her GCSE results.

The 16-year-old from Liss and her cousin, Marta, who lives in South Harting, barely knew a word of English before leaving Ukraine in 2022.

But they leave The Petersfield School as an inspiration, overcoming a language barrier to achieve a handful of decent grades in a triumph over adversity.

“I didn’t speak English when I came here four years ago but this school helped me a lot,” said Dasha, who got top marks for Dance along with Marta.

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Margot Mehers is made of strong stuff, as the rugby-loving student made the grade despite breaking her wrist on the eve of the exams. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

“It’s been hard for me because in Ukraine it has been difficult, but I’m really happy with everything. The school has believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Daria, whose marks included a 5 for Mathematics and a 4 for Religious Studies, had one of the most remarkable stories on a great day for the high-achieving school.

Another student who surprised herself was Margot Mehers, who had to type her exams after breaking her wrist while playing rugby for Hampshire just as her summer examinations were beginning.

She said: “I had to type my exams which was tricky.

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Mika Valdivia was one of this year's top performers. She's off to Harrow School - in China! (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

“But I did a lot better than I expected. I had quite low expectations but I got an 8 in history, a 6 in both English subjects, a 7 in Sociology and the same in Biology.”

And Mika Valdivia is off to Harrow School – but the one in Haikou, China, rather than North West London, after getting five 9s and a smattering of 8s and 7s.

“There was a lot of revision and you can overwork yourself, but as long as you have a plan it’s fine.”

“In two days I’m going to be off to China,” said Mika, who is taking just the four A-Levels after securing scholarship.