Year 10 student Zain Rahman has made a remarkable leap into the world of television drama after successfully auditioning and landing a role in the acclaimed BBC comedy-drama Man Like Mobeen. Zain, who is also a member of Shireland Collegiate Academy’s Arts Aptitude Programme, appears in the latest series as Young Eight.
Man Like Mobeen, created by comedian Guz Khan and Andy Milligan, follows the story of Mobeen as he tries to raise his younger sister in inner-city Birmingham while navigating the humour and hardships of his past. The series has earned widespread praise for its sharp writing, authenticity and emotional depth, blending gritty realism with light-heartedness and warmth. The full series is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Landing a role in such a high-profile series is a remarkable achievement for any young actor, even more so for one still in full-time education.
Zain is also part of the Academy’s Arts Aptitude Programme, which has been designed to provide enhanced opportunities for students with a passion and talent in the creative arts, including Art, Dance, Drama and Music. Open to a limited number of students each year, the programme nurtures emerging talent through a combination of expert teaching, extracurricular activities and professional partnerships, including with the Birmingham Hippodrome.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, commented: “Zain’s achievement is a fantastic example of what happens when talent is nurtured and given opportunities to thrive.
“At Shireland, we’re passionate about the value of creativity and the arts for all our students. Whether through school productions, classroom experiences or professional opportunities like this, we strive to make the arts a central and accessible part of every student’s education. We are incredibly proud of Zain and excited to see where this journey takes him next.”
Zain’s success has not only been an inspiration for his peers but also reaffirms the Academy’s commitment to fostering creativity and ambition for all its students. As Shireland Collegiate Academy continues to champion the arts as an essential part of education, moments like these demonstrate the real-world impact of supporting young talent, both in the classroom and beyond.
