Exam Expert Terry Is No Wizz-Kid

Record-breaking pensioner Terry Tyacke is this morning/Thurs celebrating after passing his 27th A-level exam.

The grandfather went to his local college at 11am today and discovered he'd landed an "A" pass in Film Studies to add to his amazing list of qualifications.

Terry,aged 74,says there is no way the A-level exams are getting easier - and after nearly three decades of study he should know.

"I did quite well in my course work,which makes up forty per cent of the total mark,so I am quietly confident" said the former Royal Navy sailor before going to get his results.

"If I have failed,I have not only failed myself,but my college and the Navy too."

He worked his way into the record books three years ago when he notched up passes 23 and 24 in philosophy and sports studies.

He plans to carry on his tradition by taking a course in extended maths next year.

He also says he will be on hand to help his oldest grandson Chris Zych,18,when the teenager starts sixth form next year.

"Chris is studying design and technology,business studies and physical education.I have already passed my PE and business A-levels,so if he needs any help with anything,I have told him I will be only too willing to help."

The widower said he likes to take on the part-time courses to keep his mind active and to occupy his time.

"It keep my head active,even if my body is falling apart," he joked."It is good to have something to fill the time and it beats just sitting around all day.I have found the course work quite hard this year and much prefer sitting exams.

"They say you shouldn't revise close up to the exam but I do.I cannot retain the stuff like the youngsters.At the end of the day no matter how many exams you have sat,they do not get any easier."

Despite his incredible record,he says he's not a brainbox,admitting only to being an expert in taking exams.