Teenager secures top A-Levels and Leeds University place despite losing his mum in final year
‘We are immensely proud of him’
A teenager is following the path his late mother hoped he would take after securing a place to study aeronautical and aerospace engineering at the University of Leeds.
Abdullah Mahmood, 18, of Bradford, achieved an A* in maths, A in further maths, A in physics and A* in computer science despite his mother’s death at the beginning of the final year of his A-level studies.
The Bradford Grammar School pupil said: “My mother encouraged me to follow my passion.
“She valued education and encouraged me to work hard.
“She propagated the notion that knowledge is power and wanted me to work towards my goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer.
“I’m happy with my results, especially the two A*s. All the hard work has paid off and I’m excited to be going to Leeds.”
His father, Sajid, said: “I’m very happy for him today, especially as I was worried about him being here without his mum.
“He’s done so well.”
Abdullah – whose late mother Misbah was a maths teacher – joined the independent school’s sixth form on an assisted place and headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said he represented the best of the school.
Dr Hinchliffe said: “To achieve excellent academic results while showing such dignity, maturity and quiet strength is remarkable.
“Misbah’s influence as a dedicated teacher and mother is clearly reflected in Abdullah’s work ethic and humility.
“We’re immensely proud of him and know he has a bright future ahead in aeronautical engineering.”