Leytonstone School’s Nian Beckles has started an extended project qualification (EPQ).
This follows Nian’s achievement last year when he became one of the youngest students in the country to earn a grade nine in GCSE computer science at only 13-years-old.
Not only did Nian sit the exam earlier than usual, but he studied at home with no input from his school.
Bibi Bhatti, his mum, said: “I’m lost for words really – Nian is so understated.
“He’s not one to blow his own trumpet and I’m not sure he realised how good his result really was.
“Not only was it a nine but it was a really good nine.
“I’m proud of the work that he put in.
“I think it’s made him want to do more – he’s always experimenting with different tech.”
Nian, now in year 10, is studying for the rest of his GCSEs and has chosen sociology, design technology, religious education and geography as well as other compulsory subjects.
This is alongside his EPQ, which is the equivalent of half an A-level grade.
According to exam board AQA, the EPQ allows students to lead their own projects and carry out research on a topic that they have chosen.
“It’s funny – he’s just good at everything he does but certainly tech and IT,” said Bibi.
“The EPQ shows that he is an independent thinker and has developed research, problem solving and critical thinking.”
She believes that Nian’s capabilities developed from a young age where he would attend tech events with his sister, Chikara Mbakwe.
“I used to take my daughter to lots of events and hackathons and because Nian was young, he would come along and was therefore exposed from a very young age – around six.
“Some of the events were for girls only but because he was so young he would often be allowed to take part, and it just fuelled an interest from when he was young.”
Nian’s head of year at Leytonstone School, Jack Riley described his grade nine as “a truly incredible achievement from such a hard-working, humble young man”.
“Nian is a role model to others in regards to his levels of consistent brilliant effort and dedication to achieving success.
“He should be very proud, as are we of him at Leytonstone School.”
