STEPHANIE Memhabe has wowed teachers with her GCSE grades despite the death of her mother only last year.

STEPHANIE Memhabe has wowed teachers with her GCSE grades despite the death of her mother only last year.

The 16-year-old said her two As, three Bs and two Cs were a tribute to mum Kim Memhabe, who died of skin cancer last May after a two year battle with the disease.

The pupil at King Edward VI Upper School in Bury St Edmunds said that during that time her grades quickly went downhill as she was unable to concentrate and as a result expectations for her exams were not high.

But yesterday headteacher Geoff Barton paid tribute to the Mildenhall teenager's determination and hard work, which earned the grades in the face of family tragedy.

Stephanie's guardian Michael Boyett said: “When we went to parent-teacher meetings we were not optimistic and we have gone from that to beyond anything we thought.

“We are so proud she has picked herself up and surprised everyone.”

“My grades suffered a lot,” said Stephanie. “I went to school but I couldn't concentrate. But the teachers were really helpful with my coursework and they gave me someone to talk to. Whenever I needed someone to talk to I knew where to go.

“My mum was a good parent. I will always remember her kindness and she was so non-judgmental. I think she would have been proud of my grades.

“I would like to thank my year team, all my subject teachers and everyone at the school who have been so supportive.”

Stephanie now hopes to continue living in Mildenhall and continue her studies at King Edwards.