GCSE Results Day 2013: Maths Exam Was Like 'Playing A Game' Says 9-Year-Old Abhinav Santhiramohan

Maths GCSE Was Like 'Playing A Game' Says 9-Year-Old Who Got A*

A nine-year-old who scored A* in his maths GCSE says it was just like playing a computer game - and even completed the paper with 45 minutes to spare.

Abhinav Santhiramohan, from Luton, was awarded the top mark in the subject after taking his GCSE exam seven years early.

Abhinav, 9, with his top grade

Abhinav's mother Vani Santhiramohan said: "I'm over the moon.

"He was telling me he would get an A*. He was very confident.

"He treated this exam like a game, he didn't really have to take it seriously. He just loves maths.

"The paper was for an hour and 45 minutes but he completed it in an hour.

"He said it was like playing a computer game.

"I don't push him because he's already very gifted. His Year One teacher was the first to tell us he was very talented in that area.

"He picks it up very quickly and understands after one or two examples."

Abhinav, who attends Meads Primary School in Luton, admitted he felt nervous collecting his result and now hopes to take his A-level maths exam when he turns 11.

"I felt nervous and confident at the same time," he said.

"When I found out it was an A*, it was really surprising.

"I might do my A-level in Year Six because I enjoyed GCSE maths."

Abhinav, whose family is originally from Sri Lanka, was born in Germany before moving to the UK in 2006. He lives in Luton with his parents and six-year-old sister Shakithya.

Dr Mike Ryde, principal of Ryde College in Watford, where Abhinav sat his maths GCSE, said: "With Abhinav's achievements this year, it shows that students can pass their exams with top grades if given the opportunity.

"The current educational system can hold back many of the younger students only allowing them to study and take their exams at the prescribed age.

"Studying at a younger age can capitalise on a child's subject interest and can often motivate them in their general education and stimulate academic ambition."

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