London: A 15-year-old Briton has become the youngest student to gain a place at Cambridge University for over two centuries. He has enrolled for a course that is considered one of the toughest in the world and former scholars include Isaac Newton.

Arran Fernandez was educated at home by his father, Neil.

He starts a mathematics degree at Fitzwilliam College next month, Daily Mail reported on Friday.

This makes him the youngest student at the prestigious university since 14-year-old William Pitt the Younger studied there in 1773.

"I am looking forward to going to the lectures. I have already started the first-year books and it is all right, not too difficult. I am excited about going to Cambridge but I am used to making records about being the youngest in education.

"It isn't the youngest bit that is so important to me - I'm more interested in actually going to Cambridge than comparing myself with other people who go there," Arran was quoted as saying.

The maths whiz was offered the place at Cambridge in January, when he was 14.

His degree course, which is called a tripos, is thought to be one of the toughest in the world. Former scholars, who have pursued the course, include Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. IANS