Saanya Verma achieved a perfect score in Mensa, one of the hardest intelligence tests in the world.

She is now a member of the elite high IQ society British Mensa, which has 20,000 members, only 1,500 of which are under the age of 18.

Saanya, who is currently a year 7 student at an independent school, shares how she felt when she discovered her results.

“We heard a sound at the door. Mummy went to collect the mail but this time it was different.

“She called me over and told me my results from the Mensa test had come.  “I could see the glint in her eyes, the excitement in her voice spilling out like sunshine through a thin white cloth.

“She opened up the envelope constantly watching me the whole time.  “Not even the loud crumpling sounds as she opened it could hide my heart’s thumping. My mum’s eyes started scanning the paper.

“Looking at me with a strange expression on her countenance, she handed it to me. I screamed!

“My eyes were filling up with tears of joy. I was in the high IQ society! It was a brilliant experience and I wouldn’t mind doing it again! It has given me many opportunities and has boosted my self- confidence greatly. It was fantastic!"

Saanya’s parents Sunil and Sunita Verma say that Saanya is a “normal child who is taking it in her stride.”

Sunita an HR and Recruitment professional said, "It has been a proud moment for us and I think for the community that has provided her with the support and encouragement to achieve these unique objectives.

“Saanya is very bright and loves to be engaged whether that's studying or playing Minecraft on her Xbox or debating with her father.

“She has been a very inquisitive, self-driven and confident child from the beginning with an eagerness to learn.

“She thrives on challenges and has been a consistent performer not merely in academics but also extra-curricular activities.”

Sunil Verma, a banker, admitted that on occasion he is stumped by his daughter’s intellect.

“Saanya enjoys discussing science and robotics with me. She often surprises me with her questions and her reasoning skills. I have felt overwhelmed many times!

“We are proud of her and are constantly challenged by her."

Amongst her many hobbies, Saanya is an avid reader, plays chess, piano and lacrosse.   At present she is spending a large amount of time working on robotics and electronics and more recently, she has been developing codes for the robots (Lego Mindstorms) and electronic instruments (Arduino).

Sunita added, “We have always encouraged her to work hard, participate and experience as many different things as possible.

“We have also prepared her to tackle failure as much as success.

“For her, family does come first.

“Culture and values like respect for elders are extremely important.”

Saanya Verma achieved the maximum possible mark in both the Cattell IIIB and Culture Fair scales. Her grade, of 162 and 142 respectively, has now put her in Britain's cleverest one per cent.

A Mensa spokesperson said: “I can confirm that Saanya is one of the youngest to achieve 162 in the supervised test as it can only be taken by people over the age of 10 and a half.”