A former Springwood High School student is celebrating an impressive set of A-Level results and a place at Oxford University, despite being a year younger than the rest of her class.

Zion Noble skipped Year 3 of primary school and was just 15 when she joined Springwood’s Sixth Form in Year 12.

The 17-year-old achieved A*s in English Literature and History and an A in Chemistry, securing her a coveted place at Oxford University, where she plans to study English Literature from 2027.

Zion has decided to take a gap year before beginning her university studies, giving her the opportunity to work and travel before starting the next stage of her education.

Her mother, Cindy Noble, explained: “She’s an academic year ahead. That’s why she’s going on a gap year.

“If she did go to university this year, she wouldn’t be able to do any of the first three months’ partying. It’s so important for her to be with her cohort. I’m so proud of her.”

Zion said she had become more conscious of being a year ahead as she began making plans for university.

“I never really thought about being a year ahead until this year, as I was so used to it,” she said. “Then I just thought, woah, I don’t really want to go to university at 17. So I decided to have a gap year.

“I’m going to work, and then I’d like to go interrailing around Europe – probably Spain, Italy and France.

“I’m going to be doing English Literature at Oxford in 2027. I might then do a Law conversion course. If not, maybe teaching, maybe writing. I’m not sure yet.”

Alongside her academic achievements, Zion also made a positive contribution to the Springwood community during her time at the school, including taking on a lunchtime role supporting a pupil with special educational needs.

“My lunchtime job that I had last year was particularly memorable,” she said. “I worked with an SEN child at lunchtimes, and it was really good. I’d just sit with her, talk to her, and play games on the computer.”

Reflecting on her time at Springwood, Zion said she would remember the teachers and friendships she made during her time at the school.

“I’ve enjoyed being at Springwood. The teachers are great, and I’ve made some really good friends.”