UNIVERSITY Academy Keighley’s best-ever results saw a clutch of students achieve top grades including A*s and As.

Sabah Jabin, Kiran Ali and Hasina Khan were among the highest achievers in a year group that overall made massive strides in lifting English and maths grades.

Highfield teenager Bilal Ghani paid tribute to his mum for helping him achieve his nine GCSE passes at UAK.

Bilal, who lives in Highfield, said his mum continually encouraged him, with measures including daily 6.30am wake-up calls for revision sessions.

He said “I’m very satisfied with my results, mainly because I’ve done my mum proud. That’s been my intention throughout the exams.

Bilal was particularly pleased with his high maths result because he overcame challenges throughout his studies.

He added: “I was in set two in year 10 then worked my way back up so I could do the second paper.”

Slovakia-born Erik Balog settled in the UK just four years ago and began his studies at UAK soon afterwards, rising from projected G and F grades to achieve a clutch of Bs and Cs this summer.

Now living with his family in Highfield, Erik achieved eight GCSE passes and plans to enrol at art college in Leeds this September.

Sarah McQuillan, from Riddlesden, achieved 10 GCSEs including six A or A* grades and improved her maths after a disappointing mock exam result.

She is switching to South Craven School to study A-levels in maths, further maths, biology and chemistry in the hope of becoming a maths and science teacher after university.

Usman Rauf was one of the highest achievers with seven A and A* grades amongst his 10 GCSE passes.

The 16-year-old from Highfield was particularly happy with his three A*s in the sciences, and

plans to study maths and sciences at A-level.

An aunt who is a nurse helped inspire Keiran Khaliq to pursue studies that could eventually see him become a GP or pharmacist.

Keiran, who recently moved from Highfield to Burnley, achieved nine grade A or A* passes and will study triple sciences at A-level in Nelson College.

Zahra Kauser, who achieved 11 GCSE and BTEC passes with several A and B grades, will study maths and sciences at A-level and is considering becoming a GP.

Her friend Isma Ali was particularly happy with her maths and English passes, and plans to study sport and IT at sixth-form level.