YOUNG genius Samuel Swinnerton has been offered a place at Oxford University after gaining six A-levels at the age of 16.

The remarkable teenager – who can also play more than 20 different musical instruments – today achieved a run of high grades after taking his exams two years early.

Samuel, who lives in Freehay, near Cheadle, has set his sights on studying maths at one of the world's leading universities.

He is already ranked among the top 30 mathematicians for his age group in England after taking part in a UK Mathematics Trust competition.

Samuel said: "I can't wait to go to university.

"I went to Oxford for a visit and it was fantastic.

"My 17th birthday will be about a week after I'm hoping to start at university."

His talents were spotted at an early age and he was fast-tracked through his education, first at St Giles' Catholic Primary then Painsley Catholic College in Cheadle. After achieving 12 GCSEs by the age of 14, mostly at grade A, Samuel moved on to Moorlands Sixth Form College.

He studied A-levels in music, maths, further maths, physics, computing and general studies. He also has the equivalent of an AS-level in RE.

"It's never really been a problem being two years ahead of other people my age," said Samuel.

"I've never known anything different."

His parents Paul and Rozy got their first inkling of his considerable gifts when he was just two years old.

Paul, who runs Fenton-based Swinnerton Cycles, said: "He would sit in bed and look at A4-size books.

"He would hide under the covers with a torch and read the books.

"We didn't know he could read at the time."

By age four, Samuel was having conversations with his mother about chemistry and physics. And at five, the youngster fired off an application to join Mensa.

Samuel has twin brothers, Jos and Barnaby, who are almost two years older than him, and it wasn't long before he was able to do their homework.

He said: "I remember taking my Year 2 SATs early at school. The one thing I got wrong was seven times eight."

After being moved up, Samuel joined his brothers' year group, although they were usually in different classes.

He has now overtaken them academically because both twins decided to re-do their first year of A-levels so won't get their results until next summer.

But Samuel's family stress they have not 'hothoused' him and he has still been able to enjoy his childhood.

Paul said: "When he was younger, we went to see a gifted children's society.

"All the families were pushing their children – it was just learn, learn, learn. We were there for 10 minutes before deciding it wasn't for Sam.

"Because he's so young, we haven't pushed him to take exams early. He's very self-motivated. His big passions are maths and music."

Samuel first tried tinkling the piano ivories at age three and was hooked. He was recently a finalist in the Staffordshire Young Musician of the Year competition and has also been on musical tours abroad.

Samuel plays in a variety of orchestras, wind and jazz bands, choirs, and also a rock group. He even finds time to give music tuition to young children.

The teenager said: "I just love playing music. Other instruments I can play include the violin, double bass, sax, and guitar. I've just started to learn the flute as well."

He isn't sure where his talents come from, but added: "My dad apparently played the French horn when he was young and my mum played the clarinet."

Now he is hoping to start university, Samuel reckons he won't feel that different to a typical 18-year-old student.

His father Paul said: "We do sometimes worry about him going to university so young, but you are going to worry for your kid anyway."