MATHS prodigy Niall Thompson is celebrating A-level grades that add up to a place at Cambridge's Magdalene College - at the age of just 15.

He became what is believed to be the youngest student this year to win a place at the university's Magdalene College, after gaining four straight A grades in maths, further maths, statistics and physics.

He also got a distinction in the tough Cambridge entrance exam.

State-educated

State-educated Niall, from Mossley, is the first in his family to get to university and was brought up in a single-parent household by his mother, Bev, 39, who was recently made redundant from her insurance job.

"She's more excited than me really, she's really chuffed," Niall said after picking up his results, "she was really pleased for me.

"It is just amazing. 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.

"There was hours and hours of work, seven hour days most days and go home and do three or four hours, very long days."

Niall's talent for maths was spotted aged 11 by a teacher, Kate Parker, at his old high school, Mossley Hollins.

He was then fast-tracked on to the XL programme for high-flyers run by Ashton Sixth Form College in Tameside, rated in the top 10% of schools and colleges based on exam results.

Niall shared lessons with students two years older, taking mock exams and tests with classmates who were always asking: "Have I beaten Niall?"

He completed his three A-levels and AS-level physics, normally two-year courses, in 12 months - and is set to go to university three years early. He does not turn 16 until next year.

"I just want it to be normal, just go to Cambridge University, and the fact that I have got there three years early just shows how much hard work I have put in to do it," he said.

Niall applied to UCAS aged 14 and Magdalene accepted, but he had to pass two interviews and two entrance exams to get into Cambridge - and now he can't wait to get there.

Niall, who said he has 'no ideas' about a future career after his three-year maths degree beginning this autumn, will follow in the footsteps of famous alumni including Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.

I just want it to be normal, just go to Cambridge University, and the fact that I have got there three years early just shows how much hard work I have put in to do it
Niall Thompson

The teenager, who when not poring over maths textbooks enjoys watching and scoring cricket for local clubs, playing the piano and pop music, said: "I absolutely love Cambridge, it's a beautiful place. I love how the colleges are separate and really small and you can walk for two minutes and there's a Topshop there.

"I just applied to Cambridge because I always knew I wanted to go to a top university.

"Other universities were a lot more reluctant to get involved with someone who is not 18.

"There will be no problems in terms of I will be accepted the same as other students - but not allowed to drink."

Ashton Sixth Form College principal, Janet Nevin, said: "We are delighted with the news that Niall has achieved the grades to secure his place at Cambridge University.

"This is a fantastic achievement for Niall and the College staff here at Ashton Sixth Form who have supported him throughout the process."

Ron Norman, who mentors gifted and talented students at the college, added: "The staff at Ashton Sixth Form College have always worked hard to make sure the most gifted and talented students in the region make a success of their time with us.

"The College's Ashton XL programme actively supports high-flyers and I am so proud that Niall has secured a place at one of the most prestigious universities in the country."