Zion skipped Year 3 of primary school and was just 15 when she started Sixth Form at Springwood in Year 12.

The 17-year-old achieved an impressive set of A-Level results, including A*s in English Literature and History and an A in Chemistry, securing her a coveted place at Oxford University.

However, Zion has decided to take a gap year before beginning her studies in 2027.

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 became 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.”

During her time at Springwood, Zion made the most of opportunities to support others within the school community.

She particularly enjoyed a lunchtime role she took on last year, supporting a younger 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.”

Looking back on her time at Springwood, Zion said she had enjoyed both her studies and the friendships she had made.

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