A MATURE student has proved exam failure is not the end of the world, having passed A-level maths 12 years after failing it.

Not only did Amanda Fearns pass her maths A-level as a single mother at the age of 30, but she also gained 100 per cent marks.

Ms Fearns, of Malvern Road, Billingham, now plans to study for a maths degree with the Open University, after her home college Teesside University dropped its maths degrees.

She said: "I took my A-levels when I was at school 12 years ago and failed, but I was determined to show I wasn't a dunce at maths. I knew I was good at maths and it's done wonders for my self-esteem.

"I really didn't care too much when I left school and worked all over the place and went round the world, so A-levels didn't mean too much, but I came back down to earth when I settled down with my son Dillon and proved to myself I could do it, not only that, but got 100 per cent marks.

"This shows other people that if they fail or don't get their marks, all isn't lost. If I can do it while looking after a little boy, then others can.''

The cousin of Diane Youdale, the former television Gladiator, Jet, added: "I'm also proof that A-levels are not getting any easier. The exam wasn't easier to pass than 12 years ago. I worked very hard.''

She is disappointed she cannot study in Middlesbrough. A spokesman said the university dropped maths degrees with reluctance, because of falling numbers.