A teenager who changed the lives of 10 families fleeing domestic violence has been named Outstanding Student of the Year.

Bradford Grammar School’s Faiz Kader was nominated for being “compassionate and reactive in responding to local emergencies and causes”.

Faiz was nominated by Noreen Khan from NEESIE, a Bradford-based organisation which supports single mothers and their children.

His most recent work saw him organise a ball to raise money for domestic violence survivors looking to start a new chapter with their children.

In her nomination, Noreen said: “Faiz has very quickly understood the role of active citizenship and importance of collaboration hence is always connecting people within his circles. He recognised his own privileges and gives back to society above and beyond expectation.

“As an aspiring doctor, Faiz’s vision is that happier people are healthier people and therefore is always ensuring that what he does ultimately makes people happy.

“Through his tireless and selfless efforts, Faiz truly has become a pillar of support for so many people.

“Most recently Faiz learnt about the plight of the single parent market and how this marginalised community was furthest away from any mainstream support, especially since the pandemic.

“He reacted by gathering his contacts, friends resources and sponsorships to raise enough money to support ten families suffering from domestic violence and offering food, blankets, electricity/gas top ups and even hire vans to move women and their children to safer spaces with their belongings.”

Speaking in a video projected at the ceremony, Faiz spoke about receiving the news of his nomination.

“When I received the email I wasn’t really sure what it was. I saw there was a link on there, I clicked on it and I read it again and again. It occured to me it was more than simply winning an award.”

In the same clip, Noreen said: “I have to nominate Faiz for his incredible service to our charity in the last year and a half.

“Not just raising awareness about the plight of single mothers but he has physically taken out the time to create events to raise money for the charity which has had a profound impact on 10 specific families.

“He’s such an incredible young man with such a mature head on his shoulders.”

In a speech, Faiz said: “This is just the start. I hope to be here in future seeing other students getting this award because it’s just amazing.”

The Outstanding Student of the Year Award was created to celebrate students who sacrifice their time to help others and make a real difference to people’s lives.