 Danielle Price said she was terrified by the attack
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Police are investigating after a teenager from Neath was attacked by a gang of girls hours after receiving two awards in school.
Danielle Price, 15, was treated in hospital for facial injuries after the attack at Llangatwg Comprehensive.
Her mother reported the school yard assault to South Wales Police who have launched an investigation.
Another girl, also 15, had been suspended from lessons. The school said it had taken "appropriate action".
The attack happened in morning break when Danielle, a Year 10 pupil who hopes to become a solicitor, was celebrating being presented for awards for achievements in German and Humanities in assembly earlier this month.
She loves learning and isn't going to let bullying stop her 
"I was really pleased to get the awards and my name was called out in assembly," said Danielle, who had to have a gash to her eyelid glued together in hospital and needed treatment for cuts.
"But as I was on morning break I was lured over by a group of older girls.
"I thought they were going to congratulate me but I was jumped on from behind and my neck was grabbed.
"I was battered in the face by this girl - I was terrified.
"My nose was bleeding, my eyelid was split and all my eyes were swollen up. It should have been one of my best days in school but I spent the rest of the day in hospital."
Danielle's mother Viv Price, who works on the wards at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, reported the assault on her daughter to police
'Jealousy'
She said: "You send your child to school expecting them to be safe - but this was shocking.
"It can only have been caused by jealousy because Danielle won the awards.
"The girl punched lumps out of her face.
"She was wearing rings on her fingers so Danielle ended up with all these cuts and bruises. Her eye was gushing blood and her nose was bleeding.
Danielle went back to class immediately despite her injuries but the pupil who was suspended for her actions is due back on Monday.
Her mother said: "She loves learning and isn't going to let bullying stop her.
Protect
"But she is really worried about what might happen when the girl gets back.
"The school have been very good and I'm sure they will do all they can to protect my daughter."
Llangatwg head teacher Roger Skilton said: "I am aware of the situation but I cannot comment on individual pupils. Appropriate action has been taken."
Inspector Stuart Lewis, of South Wales Police, said: "It is being treated as a criminal investigation and inquiries are being made in relation to the alleged assault."