A Ramsey Grammar student scored top A-level grades despite it being one the most difficult years of her life.

Niamh Macken, aged 18, worked her way into achieving an A in drama and English literature and a B in art all while dealing with her father’s recent diagnosis of cancer and carrying out the role of the school’s head girl.

’This year’s been very difficult,’ she told the Examiner. ’I wanted to drop out a few times.’

However, her dogged determination has led to her gaining a secure spot in either the University of York or The University of Manchester to study English literature.

She said: ’I spent a lot of my time in coffee shops revising. I like learning. I felt like a had a purpose.

’You have to enjoy what you do. Your teachers can help you only so far, but if you really want it you have to do it yourself to take it further.’

Her family say that the star pupil has been pushed to her limits during the brief time that she has lived in the island.

Mum Annemarie, who teaches English at Niamh’s school, said: ’We moved from Abu Dhabi three years ago and she had only nine months to do all her GCSEs. She passed them all and got some great results! She then started A-levels and became head girl in her last year.

’But we’ve had a tough year as a family,’ she added.

Her father, Chris, said that he was still undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with the disease.

He said: ’I was diagnosed in November last year. She’s done incredibly well just because of that. I didn’t know how my diagnosis and treatment would affect her, as I knew it would affect the whole family.

’I’m just totally amazed that she’s got through it and gobsmacked at what she’s achieved.’

Speaking to her father Niamh said: ’Seeing how strong you are it makes me strong.’

He replied: ’I’m the same, I see how strong you [and your mother] are and it drives me on.’

Niamh has decided to have ’a break’ from education and will be working at Old Mutual for a year following a successful ’first ever’ interview.

’I wanted to experience what it’s like in the real world,’ she said. ’And to save up some money for university.

’People don’t understand how difficult A-levels can be. There are so many aspects to it and a lot of pressure that makes you feel like you have to do very well.

’I genuinely enjoyed all of my subjects and loved my teachers. I’ve had a great experience here!

’My favourite subject is English literature. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,’ she said while looking at her mother.

A level passes from every school are listed in this week’s Isle of Man Examiner, which is in the shops now.