Ukrainian student living in Kent to study at University of Cambridge

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David, wearing school uniform, and his mother, looking at the screen
Image caption,

David's mother said he was "always interested in numbers, not pictures"

A 17-year-old Kent student, originally from Ukraine, earnt a place to study maths at the University of Cambridge.

David came to Kent two years ago after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has since studied at Skinners School in Tunbridge Wells.

Speaking to BBC South East, he said: "I thought I was pretty good at maths, so I decided to apply. I thought it would be 50-50 if I was going to get in."

His maths teacher said David was the "strongest student" he had ever taught.

Image caption,

David's Maths teacher, Laurence Satow, said "success is guaranteed" for David

Laurence Satow, who has been teaching for 30 years, said: "He stands out head and shoulders above anyone else I have had the privilege to teach. Success is guaranteed."

The school's head teacher, Ed Wesson, added: "He has worked hard and integrated well, when you consider he couldn't even speak the language when he joined.

"I'm amazed and in awe of his skill."

David's mother recalled: "He was always interested in numbers, not pictures. He liked numbers from a young age."

He will be starting at Cambridge in the autumn.

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