Roman, a 16-year-old Ukrainian teenager who arrived in the UK just two years ago with little knowledge of English, is celebrating his GCSE results in Coventry. Fleeing the war in Ukraine, Roman and his mother Svitlana made their way to the UK, where Roman enrolled at West Coventry Academy. Despite the immense challenges of adjusting to life in a new country and learning a new language from scratch, Roman sat exams in five subjects, including English and mathematics.
The young student, who aspires to become a car mechanic, plans to celebrate his achievements in a simple but meaningful way—by treating himself to pizza and a new computer game. His mother, Svitlana, couldn’t be prouder. “I’m definitely treating my son with whatever he wants,” she said, after watching Roman open his results envelope live on BBC CWR. His results are a testament to his determination and hard work over the past two years.
Fleeing War and Starting Over
Roman and Svitlana’s journey to Coventry began when they were forced to flee their home city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, as Russian forces invaded the region. With just a day’s notice, the family left everything behind, seeking safety in Poland before obtaining a visa to move to the UK. The sudden move was not just a geographical transition—it required Roman to start a new life in a foreign land, one where he could hardly speak the language.
“When I came here, I didn’t know English. I just knew ‘hello’ and ‘bye,’” Roman said. But with the support of his school, his friends, and his family, Roman slowly started picking up the language. His mother Svitlana recalled how he started “from the bottom,” knowing almost no English, yet working tirelessly to improve. Over time, Roman gained enough proficiency to sit for his GCSE exams—a remarkable feat considering he had only been in the UK for two years.
GCSE Success Despite Challenges
Roman’s GCSE results included five subjects: maths, English, construction, and more. His highest grade was a three in maths, equivalent to a D under the old GCSE grading system. Although some might view these results as modest, for Roman, they represented a significant accomplishment. He explained, “I done my best, my very best – everything is better than I would like.”
What makes Roman’s achievement even more inspiring is the fact that, when he first arrived in the UK, he had no understanding of the language. His progress is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the strength of character it took to not only adapt but thrive in his new environment. Speaking in English, Roman now confidently interacts with his friends, his aunt, and his brother. His success in the GCSEs marks a turning point in his journey from a war-torn Ukraine to a hopeful future in the UK.
Looking Forward to a Bright Future
Roman’s passion for cars has guided his ambitions. His next step is to enroll at Coventry College, where he will study vehicle mechanics—a field he has long been interested in. He described Coventry as “a great city” and expressed confidence in his future: “I will be a great mechanic.”
Roman’s story is not just one of academic success; it’s a story of perseverance against the odds. His experiences have given him a unique perspective on life in Coventry and beyond. Despite the hardships he has faced, Roman is hopeful about his future and eager to pursue his dream of becoming a mechanic.
Svitlana’s Pride and Concern for Family Back Home
While Roman is focused on building his future in the UK, his mother Svitlana remains deeply connected to their family back in Ukraine. Tears filled her eyes as she spoke of her parents, who chose to remain in Sumy despite the ongoing conflict. “They’re still in danger,” she said, explaining that they communicate with her parents every day but remain constantly worried about their safety.
Svitlana’s pride in her son’s accomplishments is evident, but the weight of their family’s situation in Ukraine is always on her mind. Her son’s achievements bring some relief and hope, even as she continues to worry for her loved ones back home. The uncertainty and danger that still loom over their family in Ukraine are a sobering reminder of the ongoing conflict and its impact on countless families.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
Roman’s journey from Sumy to Coventry is a powerful story of resilience, adaptability, and the will to overcome adversity. In just two years, he has gone from knowing only a few basic English phrases to achieving success in his GCSE exams. His dedication to learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and pursuing his dream of becoming a car mechanic is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
As he looks forward to continuing his education at Coventry College, Roman’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. His future, once uncertain in the face of war, now holds promise and hope. And while Svitlana continues to worry about her parents in Ukraine, she can take solace in the fact that her son is thriving in his new life.
For Roman, the celebrations are just beginning. Whether it’s enjoying a slice of pizza or playing a new computer game, he has earned a moment of joy after everything he has been through. And as he embarks on his next chapter, one thing is clear: Roman’s determination and optimism will continue to carry him forward.
Conclusion
Roman’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Having fled war, learned a new language, and achieved academic success, Roman now looks to the future with hope and ambition. His mother Svitlana’s pride in his achievements is palpable, even as they continue to navigate the uncertainties of life away from their homeland.
As Roman moves forward with his plans to study mechanics, he stands as an example of how resilience, hard work, and determination can lead to success, no matter the obstacles. His journey from Sumy to Coventry is not just a story of survival—it’s a story of triumph.
