7-year-old Indian-origin boy aces UK GCSE maths exam meant for 16-year-olds

Seven-year-old Indian-origin boy Jivyan Reddy Dhruva has scored Grade 8 in the UK's GCSE Higher Mathematics exam, typically taken by 16-year-olds. Home-educated since February, he now aims to study A-level maths and build robots.7-year-old Indian-origin boy Jivyan Reddy Dhruva scores Grade 8 in UK GCSE Maths exam (AI-generated image)A seven-year-old Indian-origin boy in the UK has achieved a remarkable feat by acing a mathematics exam almost a decade earlier than most schoolchildren his age.Jivyan Reddy Dhruva scored 196 out of 240 in the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Higher Mathematics examination, securing a Grade 8, equivalent to an A. Pupils normally take the GCSE at around age 16. Jivyan appeared for the examination in May and received his results last week, alongside other GCSE students."I felt really excited when I saw my result. My parents were very happy, and they hugged me," Jivyan told PTI.'I WANTED A GRADE 9'While Jivyan was delighted with his result, he initially hoped to score even higher. "I wanted a grade 9 so I was a little disappointed at first, but then I was very happy that I got grade 8," he told PTI.For Jivyan, mathematics is less about memorising formulas and more about solving challenging problems. He said he likes maths because he enjoys solving difficult problems and finding different ways to arrive at an answer. His next academic goal is already set: he wants to learn A-level mathematics and further mathematics.FROM MAINSTREAM SCHOOL TO HOME EDUCATION Jivyan attended a mainstream primary school in London until February this year. His parents then decided to move him to home education so he could learn at a pace better suited to his abilities.His parents, originally from Andhra Pradesh, have lived in South Ruislip in west London for nearly five years.Jivyan's father told PTI that his son's interest in numbers became apparent even before nursery. He said Jivyan would pick up mathematical concepts extremely quickly.According to his father, when the family explained something to him, Jivyan would understand the pattern behind it and then ask questions that went beyond what he had been taught.BALANCING ADVANCED LEARNING WITH CHILDHOODHome education, however, has not been easy for the family. Jivyan's parents admit that it requires considerable coordination between them.At the same time, they have worked out a routine that allows their son to learn at his own pace while also having enough free time to enjoy childhood like any other seven-year-old. The family also uses AI as a learning tool, with his parents using it to make some subjects more interactive and engaging for him.DREAMS OF BUILDING ROBOTSDespite his advanced academic abilities, Jivyan's ambitions extend beyond mathematics. When he grows up, he wants to invent robots and other things that can help people. He has also expressed an interest in creating useful and affordable technology that can be accessible to everyone.His parents, however, want him to have the freedom to discover his future career path in his own time.Jivyan does miss some aspects of school life, his father said. To ensure he continues to interact with other children, the family makes sure he spends time with peers and has friends through various clubs and activities.His interests include chess, football, tennis and other hobbies, allowing him to balance his extraordinary academic journey with the experiences of a typical childhood.(With PTI inputs)- EndsPublished By: Karan YadavPublished On: Aug 31, 2026 11:18 IST