Daily Mirror

Nine years old top GCSE mark maths genius

Rafi aces exam six years early

- BY AMY-CLARE MARTIN amyclare.martin@mirror.co.uk @AmyClareMa­rtin

NINE-year-old Rafi AshkenaziB­akes has sum-thing to be proud of...he earned a maths GCSE while still in primary school.

Rafi, who discovered his talent at age six, took a foundation GCSE which ranks from one to five – walking away with top grades and a 91% score.

Proud parents Lily and Maurice spotted his skills when he was able to answer questions in big brother Cyrus’s GCSE textbook.

And he was getting so bored in class that he decided to take the exam six years

PRIDE & JOY

Rafi with Aviva,

Maurice, Lily and Isaac earlier than normal, sitting three online papers with exam board AQA as a private candidate.

Rafi, from Bushey, Herts, managed to secure a grade five overall – the highest on the foundation tier. Lily, 50, who says Rafi gets his mathematic­al ability from her, helped her son study for the invigilate­d exams. She said: “It’s just amazing what he’s achieved. He managed to secure an average of 91% across all three exams, we’re so proud of him.”

Rafi, who attends Hertsmere Jewish Primary School in Radlett, now has his sights on the higher GCSE papers.

Lily and Maurice, 47, treated Rafi, his sister Aviva, seven, and brother Isaac, 10, to a celebratio­n meal.

Lily added: “He was so bored at school, finding it hard to sit through maths lessons. It was way too easy.

“He just needed a new challenge and something to work towards.

“We felt he could get a top grade in the exams and we’re so happy he did.”

Keen sports player Rafi says he may use his skills for a career in computing – but only if he does not make it as a profession­al footballer.

 ??  ?? EQUAL TO THE TASK Proud Rafi with results
EQUAL TO THE TASK Proud Rafi with results

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