Record-Breaking Achievement at A-Levels
Mahnoor Cheema, a British student of Pakistani origin, has once again made headlines with an extraordinary academic feat. Following her stellar performance in GCSE and O-Level examinations, she has now set new global benchmarks in her A-Levels.
At just 18, Mahnoor earned 24 A grades in A-Level examinations — an achievement believed to be unparalleled worldwide. This remarkable accomplishment has not only cemented her position as one of the most exceptional students of her generation but has also secured her a place at Oxford University’s prestigious Exeter College, where she will study medicine.
Her father, Barrister Usman Cheema, said her success was not only a personal triumph for their family but also a moment of pride for Pakistan. “Medicine has always been her dream, and now it is becoming a reality,” he said.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
This is not Mahnoor’s first time breaking records. In 2023, at the age of 16, she passed 34 subjects in her GCSE examinations, setting a world record. Combined with her recent A-Level results, she has now successfully completed exams in 58 subjects, with the majority earning A and A grades*.
In total, she has achieved six world records — four in A-Levels and two in GCSEs. Educational experts note that such a breadth of subject mastery is rare, requiring not only intelligence but also immense discipline, organization, and years of sustained effort.
Path to Oxford
Mahnoor describes her acceptance into Oxford as the realization of a lifelong dream.
“Since childhood, my goal has been to study medicine. Receiving Oxford’s offer has made me incredibly happy. When I join in October, I will be starting a new chapter in my life,” she said.
Her academic journey spans two countries. Born to parents from Lahore, she began her education at a private school in Pakistan. After moving to the UK, she attended Langley Grammar School and The Henrietta Barnett School, before transitioning to home-schooling to pursue an accelerated and customised curriculum.
Recognition and Public Praise
Mahnoor’s achievements have drawn praise from public figures. Two years ago, former Pakistani prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif gifted her a MacBook in recognition of her academic excellence.
Her father likened her success to the achievements Pakistan has made in political and military spheres. “Just as Pakistan has shone internationally in other fields, Mahnoor has brought glory to the country in education,” he said.
The Broader Context of Academic Competition
In the UK, most students typically take three to four A-Level subjects, with top performers earning A* grades. Achieving 24 A grades is unprecedented, far exceeding the academic load of a conventional student. According to the UK’s Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), fewer than 15% of students achieve straight A* or A grades in all their A-Level subjects. Mahnoor’s results therefore represent not just exceptional performance, but a redefinition of academic possibility.
Educational psychologists point out that such results often require an early start in advanced learning, strategic subject selection, and strong familial support. In Mahnoor’s case, her shift to home-schooling allowed her to manage a demanding schedule while preparing for a wide range of examinations.
Looking Ahead
With her place at Oxford confirmed, Mahnoor’s next challenge will be navigating one of the world’s most competitive medical programmes. Oxford’s medical school consistently ranks among the top in global university rankings, known for its rigorous curriculum and selective admissions process.
For Mahnoor, however, this is just the beginning. Her story continues to inspire students in both the UK and Pakistan, demonstrating that with dedication, structure, and ambition, academic limits can be pushed far beyond what is considered typical.
