The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examinations set the gold standard for gifted musicians, with grade eight being the most difficult.

To pass the tough exams, students need 100 out of 150.
James scored 144, a pass with distinction.

Now the Grammar School at Leeds pupil will concentrate on his performances before studying for a singing diploma when he reaches 14.

James's tutor, Dr Andrew Padmore, has been an examiner for over 20 years, and has never seen any student pass the grade eight exam with such high marks.

"The grade eight exam is usually taken by 16 or 17 year-olds," he said. "The highest pass I have seen before James was around 135."

He added: "The voices of boys his age do change a lot, but James definitely has the musicality to be very successful."

James, who has been singing since he was six, first had his talent noticed at school, and was referred to Dr Padmore when teachers noticed his special gift.

He has recently joined the National Youth Choir of Britain.
James, who also plays the piano, said: "I'm really pleased I got such a high mark, because I've been studying for such a long time."

His father, John Micklethwaite, said: "There's such a sense of pride seeing your son sing like that when he performs. He's very talented."

An online reviewer said of one of James's recent performances: "I was never aware that the human voice could be made to sound so sophisticated at such an early age."

James's busy schedule has included a performance at York Minster for an audience of more than 3,000 and being voted best under-18 musician/singer at last month's Harrogate Competitive Festival for
Music, Speech and Drama.

He has also performed on three occasions with Opera North.