He and a fellow Duppas pupil now attend meetings with youngsters from other schools in the area to discuss a variety of issues.

Topics being dealt with at present include safety in and out of school and graffiti.

Luiz said: "I'm really proud to be on the school council – it's a hard job because there are about 100 people in the school and I want to do my best by all of them.

"My idea was to put up signs near the road to warn kids not to use their phones so they aren't distracted and so they don't get robbed (on their way to or from school).

"People at the meeting said I was quite right."

Duppas headteacher Tony Pierce believes Luiz will make a fantastic representative for the school.

He said: "Luiz was chosen to be on the school council because he is articulate, able to express himself and he embodies the school's values about showing consideration and thoughtfulness for others.

"He demonstrates every-thing we try to do with regards to citizenship and he is just the kind of role model we need.

"He thinks not just of himself but of the collective of children – it is really very admirable."

Luiz's mum Melissa Peffoa, 35, is enormously proud of her son and hopes he will, having progressed so far in just over a year in Britain, eventually go to university here.

She said: "Luiz didn't speak a word of English and now he corrects my mistakes.

"I have so much hope for him and his future – all you want is for your children to succeed and be happy.

"He takes the school council role very seriously, which is great.

"Luiz also makes short films with our digital camera – he's always filling up the memory card.

"The films are so professional and funny – I think he might be destined for Hollywood."