Whitechapel student, aged 10, becomes 'youngest ever' to pass Modern Foreign Language GCSE

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
A brainy schoolboy is believed to have become the youngest ever candidate to pass a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language - aged 10.

George Martin-Espin breezed through the Spanish GCSE, designed for pupils who are six years older.

He achieved a grade nine, the equivalent of an A*.

The protégé is the youngest ever candidate to pass a GCSE exam in a Modern Foreign Language, according to Excellence in Education (EIE).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The mentoring scheme says it helps children - especially those in inner cities - to fulfil their potential.

George, from Whitechapel, east London, credited his success to his love of learning, his faith and his family.

He added: "The exams weren't that hard."

The ambitious boy dreams of becoming a historian, finds languages fascinating, and wants to conquer the GCSE in Mathematics next. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
George Martin-Espin, aged 10, with Professor Chris Imafidon, chair of EIEGeorge Martin-Espin, aged 10, with Professor Chris Imafidon, chair of EIE
George Martin-Espin, aged 10, with Professor Chris Imafidon, chair of EIE | Excellence in Education / SWNS

Professor Chris Imafidon, chair of EIE, has congratulated George, his family, and other mentors.

He said: "Age should not be a barrier to learning.

"It's time to update our beliefs. With the right tools, techniques, technology and tutelage, we can unlock the genius in every child." 

Professor Imafidon predicts that George will pass his Math GCSE within nine months. 

George's mum, Ms. Annie Espin-Salazar, has praised the program for the opportunities it has provided her son and other children. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “It was once said that we must educate the whole person, not just a child's mind and I wholeheartedly agree.

"Every child has a God-given purpose and should have the opportunity to thrive in a way which encompasses learning as a joyful lifestyle."

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice