Algeria's top school pupil joins Aston University

Mohamed Amine Mokrane (centre) was pictured next to Aston University's Matt Dean (right) and Frazer Roberts

Algeria's highest-scoring school pupil has chosen to study at Aston University, it has said.

Mohamed Amine Mokrane, 18, achieved the highest exam grade for the Algerian baccalaureate since the country gained independence in 1962.

The exam is based on a grading system of 0 to 20 and marks rarely exceed 18, but he obtained an average of 19.62.

He will study in Birmingham for an international foundation course, the CEG International Year One - a one-year programme offering successful students progression to the second year of a degree.

Next year, he plans to progress to the BSc Computer Science at the university.

He said: "Aston is a university that welcomes students from all over the world, providing me with a great opportunity to learn and exchange knowledge and cultures.

"Also Aston University's researchers in the field of computer science are one of the leading research teams in the UK."

Aston University's executive director, international, Matt Dean, said: "With Mohamed's acclaimed academic achievement, we are sure he will excel at his studies, and we will support him to succeed in work and life."

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is taken in more than 150 countries.

It is an alternative to A-levels and other post-16 courses and qualifies students to work in certain areas or move on to another professional qualification or training course.