TO rise from the classrooms of Dover to the dreaming spires of Oxford is a notable achievement for any pupil.

But for Dover Grammar School for Girls student Xin-Rui Peng that accomplishment is made all the more exceptional because just five years ago she did not speak the English language.

She arrived in the town, aged 12, with her mum – a nurse hoping to find work in the UK – after travelling from her home city of Tianjin in China.

The pair had no family or friends in Dover and Xin-Rui knew only the most basic of English words.

Despite this, she attempted an entry test for the Frith Road grammar but failed and instead took a place at nearby St Edmund's Catholic school.

The teen, now 17, said: "I took the grammar test five days after we arrived but didn't pass. I went to St Edmund's.

"I found the language and the culture very different.

"I had learnt a little bit of English at my primary school in China but it was just words, not connected in sentences. I just learnt by being there. One day I realised I actually understood 'lessons'. Before that I would be sitting there not knowing what was being said.

"People were interested in me but I could not make friends because there was no way to communicate."

Incredibly, Xin-Rui did teach herself English and, aged 14, she once again took the grammar school entry test and passed.

Since then she has excelled in her studies and has been accepted by Oxford University to take up a place at St Hilda's College to read mathematics.

Offers are made based on previous GCSE results, A-level predictions, an interview and the agreement that certain grades have to be met in this year's A-level exams.

Xin-Rui needs A* grades for maths and further maths and As for biology and chemistry.

She is also taking Chinese and general studies.

It may sound like a tough regime of studying but Xin-Rui says she enjoys the English style of schooling. She said: "It is quite laid back here. I did more schoolwork in China. My friends still there go to school at 7am and finish at 7pm or later. Then there is homework. It is all study.

"Here the whole environment is more comfortable. You are left to your own devices more and can get involved in other things.

"This school gives you so much opportunity. The teachers put so much into what they do and they care about you and your grades.

"My maths teacher helped me with preparation for the Oxford interview and test. Without the teachers, I would not have had this opportunity.

"I will work really hard to get my A-level grades. I really liked the whole environment of Oxford. The city is basically the university and everything is in one place. I'm also looking forward to making friends."

Xin-Rui says she may pursue a career as an actuary after her degree.