When Joviella Fernandes started school in Britain, she barely spoke any English.

Yesterday she picked up her GCSE results from St Joseph's Catholic College and got five grade 9s, four 7s and two Bs - a brilliant performance under any circumstances.

Joviella who moved to Swindon from Goa in India when she was a child, said: “Being from a different country and not really knowing how to speak any English at the beginning of my education has been extremely difficult.

“But this drove me to make sure I succeed in anything I do.”

She added: “I was really nervous the day before finding out my results, I honestly didn’t think I would have done this well.

It means so much to me and I have worked really hard for these especially in the past two years.

The youngster has decided to go to Cirencester College to study chemistry, biology and psychology A levels, and hopes to go on to university.

Joviella couldn’t wait to share the news with her family: “I know they’re going to be really proud of me.”

Jerry Giles headteacher of St Joseph’s Catholic School was extremely pleased with his year 11’s results and was elated for the grades Joviella received.

He said: “She has always been an exceptional student, she takes responsibility for her own success.

“We are very happy that we could assist her along the way to her being able to succeed.

“The individual stories and successes are always an absolute joy and reflect fantastically well on all involved.”