The former head girl at The Derby High School in Bury has achieved outstanding GCSE results today (Thursday, August 22).

Areeba Malik, 16, gained eight 9s and one 8 and hopes to become a cardiologist in the future.

She will be attending Holy Cross College on Manchester Road to study A-levels in biology, chemistry and psychology.

READ MORE: Updates as students across Bury get their GCSE results

Areeba said: “I’m so happy I got what I wanted. Thank you so much to all the staff at the school who have helped me.

“Thank you to my mum, dad and little sister too – I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Areeba was inspired by the emergency response during the pandemic and credits key workers with her career choices.

She added: “It [the pandemic] really helped me understand the importance of the NHS and I want to be a part of that. A few of my family members are doctors.”

READ MORE: Delight at The Derby High School Bury on GCSE results day

The star pupil was joined by her mum, dad and little sister to collect her results.

Areeba achieved eight 9s in her GCSE results at The Derby High SchoolAreeba achieved eight 9s in her GCSE results at The Derby High School (Image: Newsquest)

Areeba’s dad said: “We are so proud of her, she works so hard. We'd like to thank all the teachers for their support. There are no words."

Areeba is one of only two UK representatives for Ashoka Changemakers, the largest network of leading social entrepreneurs.

She was also involved in a changemakers group at The Derby High School, which was created in an effort to help reduce the school’s carbon emissions.

They went on to win The BBC Regenerators Award two years ago by transforming a Greater Manchester decommissioned school bus.

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Assistant headteacher Lynn Provoost described Areeba as “a joy to teach” as she offered her congratulations.

Speaking about the overall results at the school, headteacher Helen Hubert, said: “Our students have once again shown that hard work really does pay off.

"We have seen incredible results across the board with students surpassing expectations and securing grades that will support them with their future career ambitions.”

I cover news from the whole borough of Bury. If you have a story to share, please get in touch at lisa.valentine@newsquest.co.uk or on X @LisaDValentine.