World youngest degree (equivalent diploma) holder: Piano star Curtis Elton, 9 year-old

Curtis gained an ATCL diploma - equivalent to a first-year degree - for his piano playing skills.

When Curtis Elton passed his Grade 8 music exam in piano last year, his parents and teachers were astonished. But this time, the nine-year-old has made history by becoming the youngest person in the world to receive a degree-equivalent diploma.

His concert-pianist mum “Hayley Elton” who also was the youngest person to gain entrance to the Guildhall School of Music when she was just eight helped him to develop his talent.

This year, he has been nominated for a Nickelodeon Fruit Shoot skills award for the best rising star, invited to a Yamaha event to promote both a Disney film and GAP clothing and invited to take part in the London Master classes at the Royal College of Music with world renowned conductor Benjamin Zander.

Curtis Elton and his mum Hayley Elton

Together with his mum, Curtis will release a CD in November which will feature fresh interpretations of much-loved classical pieces.