Sussex student from Greece secures place at medical school

Olga Frosynou, 17, moved with her family moved from Greece to Woodingdean to escape the economic crisis in 2015, taking up a place at Lewes Old Grammar School.

In her A level results today, she secured an A* in German, an A in chemistry and a B in biology.

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Olga said: “I couldn’t speak a word of English and in lessons it was so hard.

“I had to ask the teacher all the time and get friends to explain things and then when I got home I would relearn it by myself.

“It was only in Year 9 and 10 that I was really able to be confident in English.

“Now I’m so delighted to think I will go on to do medicine and be a doctor. I never thought it would happen.”​

Headmaster Robert Blewitt praised her results and said: “Olga is such a determined person and has excelled despite all the hurdles in her way - we are incredibly proud of her.”

Students Maddi and Tobi Synnott with mum Tracy were among those celebrating their results at Lewes Old Grammar School today

Mr Blewitt also praised the “true grit” of students at the school after their successes despite setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “We are very proud of the commitment, dedication and strength of character shown by our pupils over the course of their studies and over the examination period. 

“They impressed us over lockdowns with their spirited participation in online lessons, and they showed us true grit in the intense period of examination despite not having sat public examinations before because of the pandemic.

“Even more than these excellent results, we are proud of the courage and positivity that has characterized our A-Level cohort over this unprecedented period and we wish them the very best as they embark on the next phase of their journey. 

"We know that the approach they have taken to study and examination over the last two years will stand them in excellent stead for the future.”