Grzegorz Filus, originally from Krakow, was appointed head boy after impressing teachers and fellow pupils with his work rate. The 16-year-old said it was a proud achievement.

"In Poland there never seemed to be the opportunity that I have available to me here in Lurgan," he said.

"All the teachers and staff have been great, they have shown me that the potential is endless when you put in the hard work.

"It was difficult at first coming to a new school, meeting new people and having to learn a new language, but all the students and staff really helped me to settle very quickly."

Grzegorz will be completing his GCSEs this year and hopes to go on and study business studies at university after his A-Levels.

He continued: "This year I hope I can do well for the school and represent it to the best of my ability. My parents and all the teachers and classroom assistants have been a big influence and I hope to be able to repay them for their support and trust.

"I will try my best for all the other pupils, I have made a lot of friends and I am really enjoying my time at St Paul's.

"It was very difficult having to leave Poland and set up a new life here, but it's all good now - it's great craic."

St Paul's principal, Mr Sean Flanagan said Grzegorz's appointment was down his hard work and determination.

He said: "His maturity, clear focus and commitment to learning showed he was the right man for the job. He has a very good relationship with the teachers and has made tremendous progress in the short time he has been with us.

"Grzegorz is one of many pupils we have from all across the world, we have students from places like Brazil, East Timor and Hungary.”