TEENAGER Shaun Turner has triumphed in his A-levels after refusing to let his cerebral palsy hold him back at school.

The 18-year-old studied at St John Fisher Catholic College, in Newcastle, and was given a laptop and scribe to help him cope with the demands of essays and other written work.

Now he has achieved B, C and D grades at A-level after taking English language, philosophy and ethics, and law. He is now preparing for university next month and hopes his success will inspire others.

Shaun, who lives in Gillow Heath, near Biddulph, said: "I've done brill. I'm really chuffed. It's been quite hard work, but really worth it. I was predicted Cs and Ds, so getting a B has been a big achievement."

Cerebral palsy, which is linked to brain injury and causes movement problems, affects people in different ways. Shaun has remained relatively mobile, but seemingly simple physical tasks can prove tricky.

"I struggle to write quickly and to make it legible," he said. "The other main problem is tiredness. Later in the day, I've tended to be really tired. It was a bit of a challenge in the exams.

"I was given extra time in the exams and also had a laptop, which the school provided."

Shaun joined St John Fisher half-way through his first year at high school after finding it difficult to settle at his previous school.

He said: "My mum and dad and I were very impressed with St John Fisher when we first spoke to the staff.

"They have made me feel like my disability is not an issue which can't be overcome. I have felt really valued at the school.

"The teaching staff have also been brilliant and offered me a lot of support."

As well as providing the equipment to help with his writing, the school teamed him up with a mentor, who helped him with the transition into the sixth form.

Shaun, who also has 10-and-a-half GCSEs, has now landed a place at De Montfort University, in Leicester, to study English and journalism.

Staff at St John Fisher say he has contributed much to the life of the school during his six years and he fully deserves his academic success.

Joanne Hughes, head of the school's sixth form, said: "Shaun was deputy head boy last year and has played a fantastic role. He was also one of our senior prefects. He's a top young man."

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