When most of us were 10 years old, we were preoccupied with thoughts of tackling long division and studying for our SATs exams.
But one brainy youngster is focused on studying for her degree, after enrolling on an Open University maths course – only months after passing her A-Levels.
Esther Okade, 10, from Walsall, West Midlands achieved a C grade in her maths GCSE, while her six-year old brother Isaiah is also studying for his A-Levels.
Remarkably, both children have never been to school, but are home-schooled by her mother Omonefe, after their living room was converted into a classroom.
Mrs Okade, 37, who is a mathematician, said: ‘Esther is doing so well. She took a test recently and scored 100 per cent. Applying to the university was an interesting process because of her age.
‘We even had to talk to the vice-chancellor. After they interviewed her they realised that this has been her idea from the beginning. From the age of seven Esther has wanted to go to university.
Esther applied to the Open University last August, after securing a B grade in her Maths A Level. In December, she was given the green light to study the degree, after a phone interview, exam, and essay.
Her father Paul, 42, spoke of his pride at his daughter’s remarkable achievement.
‘I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am as a father’, he said.
‘The desire of every parent is to see their children exceed them, and take the family name to great heights, and my children have done just that’.
After completing her degree, Esther hopes to study for a PhD before establishing her own bank.
