TEENAGER Tejal Paliya arrived in the UK just two years ago but is now one step further to fulfilling her dream of securing a place at Cambridge University after picking up a brilliant nine grade nines.
Sixteen-year-old Tejal started at The Bemrose School in 2018 after her father’s job saw the family relocate to the city from their home in southern India.
After just two years at the school Tejal has been awarded grade nines in maths, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science and creative i-media, English literature, English language and religious studies.
She has paid tribute to the support she received from staff and pupils at the school in Uttoxeter New Road for helping her to adjust and thrive.
She said: “From almost the first moment I arrived at Bemrose the teachers, pupils and staff never made me feel like I didn’t belong.
“My education at Bemrose was much better than I could have hoped for. I went to a private school in India, but the support and education I have received in Derby has been much superior.
“The teachers were so enthusiastic; they were always recommending books to me and giving me great feedback. Bemrose has felt like a family to me and I would recommend it to anyone. I have also made some wonderful friends for life.
“Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be an engineer and science has always been my favourite subject. My dad is an engineer and I would really like to follow in his footsteps.”
Tejal is pictured with her dad and younger sister.
Tejal is now hoping to take A-Levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry and she is already planning her application to Cambridge University.
And she has taken some tips from Nazh Chendi, a former pupil from The Bemrose School who is currently studying medicine at Cambridge.
Tejal added: “When we lived in India I had a dream of going to Cambridge University because it is the best university in the world.
“It is famous throughout India, for producing so many Nobel Prize winners, and with these results I feel that I am now one step nearer to achieving my dream.
“It was very interesting to speak to Nazh about her experiences. She has just made me even keener to apply.”
The school’s executive head teacher Neil Wilkinson said: “Many of our pupils arrive at Bemrose School from abroad at various points in their academic life and Tejal is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right support and hard work and determination.
“She has had a genuine desire to learn and succeed and we are thrilled that her efforts over the last two years have been reflected in her tremendous results.
“If she continues to apply herself in the same way I have no doubt that she will succeed in securing a place at Cambridge. Tejal has an extremely bright future.”
ENDS
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