Rubena Begum has returned to the Pupil Referral Unit she once attended as a pupil to join its governing board.

A Pupil Referral Unit, known as a PRU, provides education outside mainstream school. Rubena said she had to learn differently and knew what it felt like to be judged on circumstances rather than potential.

"I know what it feels like to think people have already decided what your future will look like," she said. "That's why becoming a governor means so much to me. I want every young person to know that where you start in life doesn't determine where you can go."

Since leaving school, she founded Jacksons MW Ltd, an independent BMW specialist garage that has served thousands of customers over the past eight years. She later set up Jacksons MW Academy CIC, a social enterprise that uses practical vehicle maintenance to build confidence and life skills for women and young people.

She continues to work across Oldham delivering practical vehicle maintenance workshops that have supported more than 150 women and 15 young people. The Academy partners with schools and colleges. It also works with community organisations.

Headteacher Emmett Patel said: "We are incredibly proud of our school and all of our current and former pupil's achievements." He said Rubena's first hand knowledge of being a pupil would help shape and develop the school.

PRU staff member Diane Saxon, who worked with Rubena when she was a pupil, said Rubena had worked hard to progress from Year 7 and that staff were proud of how she was giving back to the school community.