Ukrainian teenager who escaped devastation of war celebrates GCSE results

A Ukrainian teenager who escaped the devastation of war in his homeland is celebrating “excellent” GCSE results after also earning the equivalent in his own country.

Oles Kuzomko fled Kyiv and came to the UK with his mother Mila in May 2022 while his father, Roman, remained in the Ukraine.

The 16-year-old relocated to Silsden, near Bradford in West Yorkshire, and gained an assisted place at Bradford Grammar School (BGS).

He is now celebrating achieving 10 GCSEs, including three 8s, five 7s and two 6s.

Oles Kuzomko with his sister Yaryna and mother Mila (Stephen Garnett Photography/Bradford Grammar School)PA Media - Stephen Garnett Photography

Oles also took online exams and earned the Ukrainian Certificate of Secondary Education — the country’s equivalent to GCSEs – all while adapting to a new language, culture and educational system in the UK.

Oles and Mila had relocated to Yorkshire through the UK’s Homes for Ukraine programme after initially seeking refuge in a rural village near Kyiv, then moving to Poland and later to the Czech Republic.

Their journey followed the outbreak of war on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

During his studies, Oles faced significant hardship, losing not only his father but also his grandfather and great-grandfather in a short period.

His father Roman, who had been volunteering in Ukraine, passed away from sepsis last June, a condition initially missed by doctors.

The events left Oles with no immediate family in Ukraine, and he was not even able to return to attend their funerals.

Oles said: “After everything that’s happened, I don’t have anyone left in Ukraine. Even my only Ukrainian friend is in Poland now. The UK has become my home, and I see my future here. It’s where I want to build my life and continue my education.”

Oles was awarded a scholarship by BGS for his GCSE studies, with the assisted place later extended to cover his A-level education.

He said: “I’m really proud of my physics and biology grades and I’m so grateful to BGS, especially the teachers who have helped me on an individual basis.”

He now plans to study A-level psychology, business and history at BGS, and take the Extended Project Qualification, which is worth half an A-level, with aspirations to law or management.

Oles’ mother praised her son’s hard work and commitment to his studies. She said: “Moving to a new country, leaving behind everything familiar and dealing with the personal loss of our loved ones has been tough.

“But seeing Oles achieve his results has made it all worthwhile. We are deeply thankful to Bradford Grammar School for their support and for providing him with the opportunity to succeed.”

Simon Hinchliffe, headmaster at BGS, said: “Oles’ extraordinary accomplishments are a testament to his dedication and determination to succeed against all odds.

“His journey from a war-torn country to achieving excellent results at BGS is nothing short of inspiring. We are incredibly proud to have such a resilient and courageous student in our community.”

Oles’ sister Yaryna also moved to the UK and lives in Silsden. She earned a degree in applied maths and works as an IT specialist.