AS his peers await GCSE results this week, one 16-year-old from Worcester is celebrating passing his seventh A-level.

Edward Kimberley has added the qualification – an A* in modern history – to his already impressive list of A-levels.

His family say they feel vindicated by their decision to educate Edward at home but have criticised an education system which failed them.

Edward has a form of autism called Asperger’s and suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome.

He was taken out of school when he was 10 because he was ill and unhappy.

Mum Sheila Kimberley, of Wood Leason Avenue, Warndon Villages, Worcester, said they felt it was the only option because Edward needed to study in short, intense bursts.

Although the family felt they had no choice, their decision meant they were viewed by the authorities as having elected to opt out of the system and received no financial help.

They also had to research the curriculum and how to teach their son with no guidance.

Mrs Kimberley said: “There’s been many a time I’ve cried with frustration because I couldn’t find a way through something. I’ve learnt that you have to think outside of the box.

“We were pushed into the elective home education category so we are not entitled to any support. The only support I’ve had is the annual visit.”

After passing three iGCSEs – an internationally recognised qualification equivalent to a GCSE – Edward moved straight to A-levels and now has three A*s, an A and three Bs.

He has also achieved grade seven in cello, grade eight in singing and piano and is awaiting the outcome of his grade seven in viola.

Edward said he felt the education system focused too much on exams rather than on individuals.

He said: “Exams have gone from being a way of measuring how well you’ve done to become the only aim. It’s not in anybody’s job description to help people like me.”

The family have written to Worcester MP Robin Walker with their concerns.

Edward now hopes to take a long-distance degree course in politics and international relations before pursuing a career as a composer or writer.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: “We cannot comment on individual cases.

"Where a parent elects to home educate their child they choose to accept full responsibility for the education provided.”