15 year-old gains Cambridge place

Ashton Sixth Form student and Maths prodigy Niall Thompson was today celebrating A-level grades that add up to a place at Cambridge University at the age of just 15.

He became the youngest student this year to win a place at the prestigious Magdalene College, after passing both the tough entrance exam with an outstanding Distinction and gaining four straight A grades in Maths, Further Maths, Statistics and Physics.

Niall came to study at Ashton Sixth Form College from Mossley Hollins High School aged 14 after showing great potential whilst studying AS-Level Statistics, part time in Year 9. He then progressed onto a full A-Level programme and rather than taking the usual 2 years to complete his studies – Niall decided to fast-track himself through the process by completing the full course in just 12 months.

Commenting on the success, Ashton Principal, Dr Janet Nevin said, "Niall, in particular, has excelled himself this year after achieving all A grades in just one-year with us. We have an excellent partnership with his school and were flexible in meeting his needs by supporting him in his A-Level study three years early and encouraging his maths talent. We are delighted with his success"

Niall, who said he has "no ideas" about a future career will follow famous Magdalene alumni including Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin and commented, "To know in my hands I have got proof that I have done enough to have my offer satisfied is just amazing, I'm so pleased".

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