​Double celebrations for birthday girl Sufwana

SUFWANA Sayed had cause for double celebrations as she picked up top A-level grades on her 18th birthday.

The Ripon Grammar School boarding student gained two A*s and an A in psychology, English literature and maths and will now study law at the University of Cambridge.

Following a Harry Potter-themed birthday party the night before, the celebrations with friends and family continued for Sufwana after she picked up her results.

“I am over the moon and so excited to start at Cambridge in October. It feels so surreal,” said Sufwana, a boarding student from Stevenage in Hertfordshire.

She is now looking forward to developing a career in law, after watching true crime documentaries sparked her interest in both working within the justice system and helping to reform it.

“I can help people in more ways than advocating for them in court. I can also be a part of shifting the justice system, which is one which has many flaws.”

Four years ago, she revealed, she wrote in her diary: “I would like to achieve top grades and get into Cambridge for law.’

“So dreams really can come true,” she said.

A keen pianist, Sufwana juggled her studies with her role as a junior ambassador with Green Shelter Charity, which fosters a harmonious relationship between people and nature.

“I’ve always been passionate about environmental awareness and the importance of showing people the little, day-to-day sustainable actions we can take to make a difference.”

Sufwana, whose volunteering work includes helping teach children about the environment in an interactive and engaging way, added: “The charity is dedicated to inspiring, empowering and building connections within individuals, communities, and organisations, all in the pursuit of sustainable gardening,” she explained.

“My parents are part of a Bangladeshi gardeners’ society, which got me the opportunity to talk to a lot of people across the UK about the environment and the importance of sustainable gardening."

Sufwana, from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, told how moving to boarding for sixth form was a challenge.

“I had never boarded before so having to adapt to the new environment, as well as adapting to the jump from GCSE to A-level was quite stressful. But I had strong ambitions to achieve top grades and to apply to a top competitive university which came with its own pressures and struggles.”