Girl, 8, sets GCSE exam record

AN eight-year-old girl who discovered a talent while 'playing' with her father's home computer has become the youngest successful GCSE candidate.

Sonali Pandya obtained a grade E in computer studies at the age of eight years, two months. She sat the exam with her brother Sunil, 11, who was also successful, after their father arranged private tuition. 'After a few months their tutor asked if he could enter them both for the GCSE and I could hardly believe it,' said Mr Pandya, of Queensbury, north-west London.

Sonali, who sat the exam with 17-year-olds, had not been affected by her success, he added. 'She still loves playing with dolls.'