Not only is Laiba Khan on her school’s “gifted and talented” register for maths, she is also on a mission to become an inspiration for other girls.

Ilford Recorder: Laiba Khan, 15 is an exceptional STEM pupil and wrote a blog that has led her to win a trip to Apple's headquarters in America.Laiba Khan, 15 is an exceptional STEM pupil and wrote a blog that has led her to win a trip to Apple's headquarters in America. (Image: Archant)

Although women are a minority in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), Laiba, 15, who attends the Ursuline Academy Ilford, Morland Road, Ilford, is passionate about the subjects.

She mentors younger pupils and has been nominated for a Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award for helping others succeed.

She said: “I am ecstatic to be chosen for a nomination as it shows me that my achievements and efforts are being recognised.

“It will give me the platform to inspire the next generation of young female engineers, scientists and many more by showing them that even though girls are the minority in STEM fields it is still possible for them to strive for the best careers in STEM.”

Teacher Edna Reilly praises the kind teenager and also credits her for joining the air cadets and using her experience to teach younger cadets about the physics of flight.

Laiba has also developed an interest in computer programming.

Mrs Reilly said: “She coded her own blog from scratch called Laiba Rhett and then developed a blog called Blah-Blah-Blog and through this shared her enthusiasm and her photography.”

Laiba attracted the attention of technology giant Apple, with her blog and won a trip to its headquarters in America.

She said: “This amazing opportunity to go to Texas for free will

give other girls a strong drive as this is not an opportunity given to many.”