SEVENTEEN pupils from a Chorley school are sitting their GCSE maths exam two years early after ploughing through the syllabus in record time.

The 13- and 14-year-olds at Albany High on Bolton Road are now aiming to reach grades B or C later this month in the two-paper exam, which is usually tackled by pupils aged over 16.

Cath Whistlecroft, who teaches the top maths set, said: "The opportunity to do this is open to any pupil with the ability and the determination to succeed.

"We've done it in the past and have found that it inspired the children to think. Many of them have gone on to maths at A level."

As well as attending some extra sessions to help hone their skills, the pupils have had to complete two pieces of coursework.

The school also has pupils in Year 10 who will sit their maths exam a year early.

The year nine pupils who will sit the exams on May 29 and June 11 are Michael Crouch, Gary Fairclough, Ben Firth, Phil Haslam, Jennifer Hill, Abigail Kay, Simon Leigh, Matthew Lennon, Kim Lewis, Kimberley Moss, Martin Nathan, Martin Peet, Nicki Pressler, Martin Simons, Andrew Taylor, Lee Waring and Paul Wharton.