Haroon Rashid made an unaccompanied three month journey to the UK at the age of 13 to escape war-torn Afghanistan not being able to speak a word of English, but is today off to Surrey university to read international tourism management. Haroon (pictured) was “busting with pride” as he received his grades from St Joseph’s Catholic High school, a secondary modern in Slough. His determination to overcome his language issues led to him achieving a C in English language at sixth form while living alone. He also qualified with a double distinction* in business studies as well as travel and tourism. Ciran Stapleton, St Joseph’s headteacher, said: “It’s not been an easy journey for Haroon but he is an incredibly humble young man. He’s been inspirational to us as a staff as well as the other students.”