TWENTY-five advanced students have received national awards for their achievements in maths and English.

The youngsters all learn at the Kumon Centre, in Yate, which aims to give children the best start in life with a tailored education programme. During a ceremony at Yate Leisure Centre on Tuesday, 25 pupils received the Advanced Student Roll (ASR) in recognition of their progress beyond their years.

Yate Kumon instructor Ann Pinnock said: "The aim of the ASR is to recognise the achievements of students who have worked hard all year in their Kumon studies and have reached a level above what is expected for their age in their Kumon study. "Children are awarded bronze, silver or gold according to how far above their age they are."

Among the students to received gold awards was 11-year-old Sophie Covello, who is currently studying simultaneous linear equations -work that is at least four years ahead of her age.

Ashwini Sood, who at age 12 is studying factorisation, also four years ahead of his age, also received two additional awards for completing milestones in the Kumon Programme.

Added Ann: "Both students complete work every day and are able to self-learn through being given the tools and confidence they need to study advanced work that they have never seen before.

"Being able to do this is one of the ultimate aims of the Kumon programmes."

Head librarian at Yate Library Neil Pounden presented the awards in a ceremony attended by 35 people.