A primary school pupil has wowed his parents and teachers by gaining an A* GCSE in astronomy. Talented Oliver Bredemeyer, 11, took the exam more than four years early after being invited to complete a course through Callington Space Centre.

He was invited on the two-year astronomy course by Clive Purchase, the resident astronomer at the centre, after he took part in a 'gifted and talented' scheme there with Bishop Cornish CE VA Primary School, Saltash. After eight months, the youngster, who lives in Saltash with his parents and younger sister, took the exam achieving top results.

Oliver, who will be going to Devonport High School for Boys in September, said: 'I have just found out and I am quite excited. The letter hasn't come yet, but I am really happy.'

His mum Aisha said: 'I am very proud of him and he is over the moon. He went to the centre last year and then they invited him to do the GCSE – he was very enthusiastic and so we let him go.'

This week the mayor of Callington, Karen Gold, was among those impressed by Oliver's achievements as well as the man who encouraged him to take the exam.

Mr Purchase said: 'He did the two- year course in eight months – he is a very bright young man. It is outstanding – I don't think anyone has achieved A* in astronomy at that age nationally and it is certainly a first for the South West.'