Teen maths prodigy to attend Cambridge

London, Jan 8 (ANI): Fourteen-year-old Arran Fernandez, a maths genius, is set to join the Cambridge University.

Arran, who has A-levels in maths and further maths, will have to pass his A-level physics exam after which he will be eligible to enrol at Fitzwilliam College.

His dad Dr Neil Fernandez says this will make him the youngest Cambridge undergrad since William Pitt the Younger attended the university at the same age in 1773.

"Fitzwilliam College decided to make Arran a conditional offer after considering his application very carefully, as we do with all students who apply, regardless of background," the Telegraph quoted Professor David Cardwell from Fitzwilliam College, as saying.

He added: "The college looks forward to welcoming Arran in October 2010 should he meet his offer, and to helping him develop and fulfil his considerable academic potential to ensure a productive and rewarding experience during his studies at Cambridge."

Arran said: "Maths has been my favourite subject for as long as I can remember.

"I enjoy being home schooled because I'm more involved. I can see the mark schemes and help my dad decide the curriculum."

The degree or "tripos" at Cambridge is believed to be one of the best and the most difficult in the world.

Arran's genius was first noticed in 2001, when at five years of age he achieved the highest grade possible in the foundation maths paper.

The next summer he took the intermediate GCSE paper and gained A* in the advanced level paper in 2003.

Arran said at that time he wanted to become "a mathematician, lorry driver or space explorer".

However, he now aspires to be a research mathematician.

He said: "It would be nice to work for Cambridge. There are a few things I want to work on; I'd like the solve the Riemann hypothesis."

The Riemann hypothesis is a theory about the patterns of prime numbers that has eluded a solution for 150 years. (ANI)