4-yr-old with an IQ like Einstein

Brainbox Heidi sat an IQ test after staff at her nursery said she was so intelligent they were struggling to find activities to challenge her.

The average score for an adult is 100 and a “gifted” individual 130 — but the exceptional youngster impressed examiners with a staggering 159...Albert Einstein is 160!

Heidi — who can already add, subtract, draw figures and write in sentences — was reading books meant for seven-year-olds when she was two.

And she beats former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman (score 154) and is only slightly behind Big Bang scientist Stephen Hawking (160). Both are also members of Mensa. 

Heidi Hankins

According to her father, Matthew Hankins, the fair-haired little Heidi began showing signs of unusual intelligence from as early as the age of one.

"We always thought Heidi was pretty bright because she was reading early. I happen to specialise in measuring IQs in children and I was curious about her, and the results were off the scale.

"I got her the complete set of the Oxford Reading Tree books when she was two, and she read through the whole set of 30 in about an hour. It’s what you would expect a seven-year-old to do.

"She is not precocious, she likes her Barbies and Lego, but then you will find her sitting down and reading a book. We are really proud of her,” said Matthew, a lecturer at University of Southampton.

John Stevenage, chief executive of British Mensa, said: "Heidi’s parents correctly identified that she shows great potential.

"We wish them well, and are pleased that they have chosen to join the Mensa network for support, where we aim to provide a positive environment for younger members to develop."

To qualify for Mensa, a candidate must hold an IQ that falls within the top 2% of the population. Heidi is reportedly one of approximate 90 children under the age of 10 who belong to British Mensa.

The average adult’s IQ is 100, and a gifted individual’s is 130.

Heidi’s dad Matthew, from Winchester, Hants, hopes she can now skip a school year to ensure she is challenged when she is old enough to go.