A BUDDING astrophysicist has seen his future in the stars after being ranked among the brightest prospects in the country.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Harold Raven was chosen from 41,372 nationally to take part in the junior Bebras Computation Challenge, run by Oxford University and sponsored by Google.
His score of 199pts placed him in the top echelon of young minds in an exercise designed to test logical thinking to the limit.
The Year 7 pupil now has his eyes firmly set on reading a degree at Oxford University, with a view to becoming an astrophysicist, after touring the facility, joining in workshops and meeting tutors.
“It was overwhelming, even better than I imagined,” said the 12-year-old, of Scorton. “The tutors were so passionate about their subjects you can’t help but be inspired.”
Harold was one of just 60 from around the country to take part in the junior computing challenge.
He said: “The test was fine. We had to answer 15 questions in 40 minutes which I managed to do and I was really pleased with my score of 199. Third place only scored 215.”
His aim now is to study A Levels in science, maths and computer science before applying to Oxford University.
Head of computer science Susan Thornton said: “It is the first time we have entered the competition so we were thrilled to get two students in the final – sixth former Matthew Masterman was also selected.
“Harold has done incredibly well and I expect to hear a great deal more from him as he moves through our school. This is such an achievement and he was up against many students from independent and grammar schools. He really has done Richmond proud.”