Whizzkid passes GCSE maths with highest grade aged 11 after lockdown lessons

06 March 2023 , 18:23

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Whizzkid Tom Van der Velde with his dad Simon (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

A talented schoolboy has passed his Maths GCSE with the highest grade possible - at the age of 11.

Tom Van der Velde was awarded a grade 9 in his second exam in the subject. At the age of nine, he took his first Maths GCSE, at foundation level, achieving a Grade 5, the equivalent of an old B or high C.

In his latest, he again gained the highest mark possible. He is now turning his hand to computing and may study for A level Maths.

“I was very pleased with the result,” said Tom, a pupil at Gosforth Middle School in Newcastle.

“I love numbers. I am not sure what I will do at university, I am leaning more towards computer sciences now.”

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Tom, who also likes music, swimming, tennis and squash, took lessons at home during lockdown.

His dad Simon, 55, an author, told how his son was able to solve problems at speed.

Brainy Tom's dad Simon is an author (Newcastle Chronicle)

He was doing what were supposed to be hour-long tasks in a matter of minutes. The pair learned together and sat their first exam as external candidates at Whitley Bay High School, North Tyneside, two years ago.

Tom achieved 85 percent while his dad, who got a B in his O-Level Maths at school, scored 90 percent.

Tom lives in Newcastle with Simon, mum Nikki, a therapist, brother Charlie, 14, and their dog Barney. He also enjoys the computer games Minecraft, and Fortnite.

Jeremy Armstrong