Child genius from Cheam joins Mensa with higher IQ than Stephen Hawking

North Cheam boy Kesh has become one of the youngest members of Mensa by scoring the maximum 162 in an IQ test.

But, despite his extraordinary score, Wilson's School pupil Kesh says he is no different to any other boy his age.

Kesh, of Palmer Avenue, said: "I'm very proud. I almost didn't do so well because I wrote the answers to the Mensa test in the wrong places and had to rub it all out!

"I've always had a good memory. I started remembering number plates when I was younger and I think I got to the point where I could remember all the plates in Cheam - I've stopped that now, though!

"When I'm older I hope to do something in computers. I really like computers and I'd like to design software.

"IQ tests aren't' the same as what you do at school. I have a high IQ but I'm not the best at maths, science or English or anything like that, I'm reasonable, but not the best.

"Outside of school I like all the normal things - cricket is my favourite sport, U like music, gaming and that sort of thing."

Kesh's score of 162 is the highest rating possible in the Cattell III B IQ test - the test recognised by Mensa, which only accepts members with an IQ in the top two per cent.

Professor Stephen Hawking is reported to have an IQ of 160 and scientist Albert Einstein's estimated IQ is also 160.

Kesh's mum, Dr Jyothi Punekar, said: "I'm very proud. The school put him in for the exam and I thought 'let him go and give it a try'. I wasn't prepared for the result!

"I was over the moon, I couldn't believe it when I saw his marks."