Just eight months on from thinking she wouldn't be able to sit her GCSE exam this year, and would have to start again next month, Carmen Lee picked up her results yesterday.

The 16 year old who lives in Park Grange came away with a haul of 10 grade eight and one grade nine, in English - and will start four A-levels at Commonweal School in September.

She was able to do so because the Oakfield Project, an alternative education provision was able to help her when she was moved from her school in Gloucestershire after being bullied.

Mum Jenny said: "Oakfield absolutely came through for Carmen - it was a very difficult time, and the staff's help was crucial."