Teenager with an IQ higher than Einstein makes history by passing 34 GCSEs

A teenager from Slough was over the moon after she found out that she had passed 34 subjects after the GCSE results were announced.

Mahnoor Cheema, 16, goes to Langley Grammar School in Slough. On 24 August, she learned that she passed 17 GCSEs, and had already passed the other 17 the year before.

Her GCSEs included several subjects – physics, chemistry, biology, math, economics, sociology, psychology and astronomy.

Cheema has made history with the majority of her grades being 9s, equivalent to a high A*, and only a few were 8s.

She revealed that she had an interest in learning languages and she took five language subjects, including French and Latin.

Cheema said: “I’m a highly driven individual. I’ve always understood that hard work would be required with aspirations like mine, and I’ve never backed down from a challenge.

“I set a target and then I stay focused on it.

“I constantly considered the fact that I wasn’t studying just for myself, but for my family and for the people I wish to help one day.

“Besides this, time management has always been a skill of mine.

“For the past three years, I’ve had to manage my time very effectively between school and my extra subjects.

“I have to say that the workload has never felt particularly challenging for me, because I retain information well and always appreciate an opportunity to broaden my knowledge.”

She is thankful to have her family’s support, especially her mother, Tayyaba Cheema, who has always encouraged her. Even though she took on so many subjects, Cheema was still able to enjoy her teenage life.

She explained: “I’m a firm believer in the ‘work hard, play hard’ ethic.

“I put in the work, but I have leisure pursuits like any other 16-year-old.

“I love playing the piano, horse riding, swimming, playing chess. I go to concerts, meet up with my friends, and spend time with my family.”

She hopes to study medicine at the University of Oxford and eventually become “a cardiac surgeon or neurosurgeon”.

Cheema, who has an IQ of 161, which is higher than Albert Einstein, elaborated on her enthusiasm for politics and her aspirations to contribute to the betterment of Pakistan. She mentioned her family’s affiliation with the country’s PML-N party, underscoring her intention to be actively involved in the political sphere.

Furthermore, she achieved excellence in her pursuit of music by attaining a Grade 8 distinction in both ABRSM Music Theory and Practical. She is one of the UK’s youngest individuals embarking on a music diploma journey.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Cheema’s academic prowess shines through as she secured a spot on the esteemed shortlist of the John Locke essay competition. The recognition has led to her invitation to the awards ceremony, scheduled to be held in Oxford later in 2023, according to reports.