Part-time cleaner Leena shines at A-level

A HARDWORKING student who spent weekends changing beds and cleaning rooms at a local hotel is celebrating after sweeping up a place at a top university to study maths.

Leena Athab solved the challenging equation of juggling housekeeping shifts with her studies to achieve three A* grades in maths, further maths and economics and an A in physics.

The 18-year-old Ripon Grammar School student, from Melmerby, is now looking forward to taking up her place to study maths at University College London.

Delighted with her results, she says her part-time job helped her build confidence, skills and a strong work ethic which she’ll take with her to university.

In addition to her part-time housekeeping role, Leena combined her A-level studies with completing her gold Duke of Edinburgh award and achieving a distinction in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls.

She said: “Working as a housekeeper helped give me a strong sense of independence and confidence alongside the practical skills that will help prepare me for university life.

“Tasks from making beds to vacuuming rooms and checking linen deliveries all required consistency and time management, especially when rooms had to be ready by a specific time.

“At first, it was difficult to juggle my job and homework, but over time, I learned how to manage my schedule more effectively.”

She added: “Being part of RGS sixth form has been an experience that has set me up for my future in the best possible way.

“The teaching staff have all participated in shaping who I will become as I go on to university and I cannot be more grateful for the people I've met here.”