MATHS whizzkid James Griffith is taking on students twice his age after winning a place in the finals of a UK-wide competition.

James may be only eight years old but he is already studying advanced algebra and complex equations.

The Loretto Junior School pupil, from Musselburgh, is so ahead of his classmates he was entered into the Individual Intermediate Maths Challenge – a contest for 16-year-olds – earlier this year, and achieved a silver award, as well as one of the highest scores in the school.

And he is part of a team from Loretto which won the Team Maths Challenge at Edinburgh University, securing them a place in the national final in London this June.

James’ mother Susan said: “James’ talent for mathematics was spotted very early on, during his time at nursery. He was able to count well beyond 200 and he even learned the times tables over a weekend.” The youngster’s talent is being overseen by junior school headteacher Philip Meadows, a former Cambridge graduate, who is giving James individual maths lessons.

Mr Meadows said: “James is an outstanding young mathematician with considerable innate ability and great potential.

“He demonstrates great mental dexterity and considerable intellectual maturity whilst retaining a schoolboy enthusiasm.”