British-Pakistani Student Mahnoor Cheema Sets Global Academic Record with 24 A-Level Distinctions, Secures Admission to Oxford
Chehra WebDesk
London, UK —
In a historic academic achievement, Mahnoor Cheema, an 18-year-old British-Pakistani student, has shattered global records by earning 24 A grades in A-Level examinations, the highest number ever awarded to a single student worldwide. Her extraordinary performance has secured her a place at Exeter College, University of Oxford, where she will begin studying medicine in October 2025.
Record-Breaking Achievements:
Mahnoor’s academic journey is nothing short of phenomenal:
- 24 A-Level subjects completed with distinction, including an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) — all through a single exam board.
- 19 A and A grades* in A-Levels, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence.
- A combined total of 45 A grades* across A-Levels and GCSEs/O Levels — the most ever awarded to a secondary school student.
- 58 individual subjects passed with distinction, including 34 GCSEs — another world record.
Family & Background:
Born in Lahore, Mahnoor moved to the UK with her parents in 2006. Her father, Barrister Usman Cheema, and mother, Tayyaba Cheema, pursued higher education at Lincoln’s Inn and SOAS respectively. Mahnoor attended Langley Grammar School and Henrietta Barnett School, later switching to homeschooling for her final year.
Beyond Academics:
- Member of Mensa, the world’s oldest high IQ society.
- Holds an AMusTCL diploma in music (equivalent to an undergraduate degree).
- Won gold medals in acting and public speaking from LAMDA.
- Completed her EPQ in just 10 days with a perfect score.
Oxford Dream Fulfilled:
Speaking to reporters, Mahnoor said:
“I am over the moon. It’s been a childhood dream of mine and I’m so glad to see it being fulfilled. I really appreciate the position of privilege I am in, all thanks to my parents’ endless sacrifices.”
🇵🇰 National Recognition:
Mahnoor’s achievements have been celebrated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who called her the “daughter of the nation” and gifted her a MacBook used in her Oxford interviews.
Mahnoor Cheema’s story is a beacon of inspiration for students worldwide, especially young girls in Pakistan, proving that with dedication, support, and passion, even the loftiest dreams can be realized.
