A-level results: Two Syrian refugees set for medical school after passing exams with flying colours

Sulaiman Wihba and Elias Badin graduate from Brighton College after being given scholarships following tortuous two-year escape from homeland

Syrian refugees Sulaiman Wihba, left, and Elias Badin after collecting their A-level results at Brighton College (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Two teenage Syrian refugees are celebrating their A-level results as they take the next step to fulfil their dreams to become doctors “to give something back”.

Sulaiman Wihba and Elias Badin were both given scholarships by Brighton College after they were spotted two years ago after making the “torturous” two-month journey from their war-torn country.

Mr Wihba, 19, from Hove, East Sussex, said he was driven by his desire to become a doctor to achieve four A* grades in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry earning him a place at Queen Mary University of London.

He said: “It's all about payback, being a doctor, helping people, it's really interesting, I like problem solving, providing the best care. My mum will be so happy.”

He added: “My 15-year-old self wouldn't imagine myself here, it's overwhelming. I have been in the UK for two years now, I didn't find it hard to integrate within the new society. I feel really accepted.”

Mr Wihba said that he hoped one day to return to Syria but added: “The situation there is really impossible to cope with, if things get better I would love to go back but I can't see things getting better in the short term.”

Mr Badin, who achieved A* in maths and As in further maths, physics and chemistry, said: “I am very content with my results even though I expected them to be higher, now I am awaiting confirmation of my place to study medicine at Queen Mary University which is my dream.”

Mr Wihba reached the UK after travelling through Europe and stowing away in a refrigerated van packed with boxes of frozen chips while Mr Badin travelled to Greece on a small boat with 40 refugees packed on board.

PA