A 17-year-old student from Nigeria paid tribute to the friends and staff who helped make her A-level studies so much fun.

John Ruskin College student Damilola Jaiyeola, who now lives in Selsdon, said since coming to Croydon two years ago, she had made lots of new friends and been helped with her studies by an excellent set of teachers.

Damilola's hard work earned her an A in economics, an A in chemistry and a B in maths.

She is now planning to study chemical engineering at Imperial College London.

She said: "I have really, really enjoyed my time at the college.

"I only came here from Nigeria about two years ago and I've met lots of friends and the teachers have been very supportive and helpful."

She added: "I've managed to phone my aunt who lives here to tell her my results, but I've not been able to call my mum in Nigeria but I can't wait to let her know."

Fellow students at the South Croydon college also did well in their exams.

Claudia Obayaateye, 18, from Wandsworth, gained three As and hopes to study maths at University College London. Sophia Lloyd, 18, from New Addington, gained two As and two Bs and plans to study physics at university after a gap year. Daniel Cambridge, 18, from Selsdon, earned three As and has gained a place at Sussex University to study law.