Mahnoor Cheema, an 18-year-old British-Pakistani student, has set an extraordinary milestone in academic history by completing 24 A-Level subjects with top distinctions, breaking four world records and securing admission to the prestigious University of Oxford to study Medicine.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Mahnoor now holds six global academic records, the most ever achieved by a secondary school student. Her recent accomplishments include:
- Most individual A-Level subjects with distinction – 24 subjects plus an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), completed through a single exam board without repeating components.
- Highest number of A and A grades in A-Levels* – 19 top grades.
- Most A grades combined in A-Levels and GCSEs/O Levels* – 45 A* grades in total.
- Highest number of subjects passed with distinction globally – 58 subjects (24 A-Levels and 34 GCSEs).
By the age of 16, Mahnoor had already completed 34 GCSE subjects, including 17 A grades in Year 10*, setting two additional world records.
The Road to Oxford
Speaking from her home in Langley, West London, Mahnoor expressed her excitement:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Oxford this October. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life. I owe everything to my parents’ sacrifices and support.”
Born to Lahore natives Barrister Usman Cheema and Tayyaba Cheema, Mahnoor moved to the UK in 2006 when her parents pursued higher education. She attended Langley Grammar School and Henrietta Barnett School before switching to homeschooling for her final year.
Her remarkable achievements have been recognized by leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who called her “the daughter of the nation” and gifted her a MacBook used for her Oxford interviews.
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Talents Beyond Academics
In addition to her academic records. Mahnoor holds an AMusTCL diploma in music (equivalent to an undergraduate degree) earned at age 16. She has also won gold medals in Acting and Public Speaking from LAMDA and completed her EPQ in just 10 days with a perfect score. As a member of Mensa, her talents extend into both creative and intellectual pursuits.
Mahnoor’s achievements have made her a global inspiration, showcasing the potential of young Pakistanis on the world stage. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and the power of nurturing talent with strong family support.
