FOR most 16-year-olds at Laurence Jackson school, Thursday morning means a mixture of English, French and maths.

For Paul Drinkhall, though, it will mark another significant step in his table tennis education.

The Loftus-based teenager is the youngest member of England's Commonwealth Games squad and, while his contemporaries attempt to gain their GCSEs, he will spend the next 11 days striving for a gold medal.

While top-level sport might be one of the most unforgiving environments of all, this week's examination is one he is confident of passing with flying colours.

"The school have been really good to me," said Drinkhall, who only turned 16 in January. "I've spent most of this year playing in junior tournaments all around the world and they've given me the freedom to do that.

"We had a meeting and they told me I could come into lessons and take my exams next year if I wanted to.

"It's something I would like to do, but I guess it all depends on the time. If things go well between now and then, I could be even busier next season if I make it on to the senior tour full-time."

Given Drinkhall's undoubted ability, that is hardly out of the question. The Teessider is Europe's leading junior following his success in last July's European Youth Championships in Prague and is already ranked sixth in the country for all age groups.

His first major tournament will be a daunting experience but, with entries in the singles, men's doubles, mixed doubles and team events, it would be a surprise if he came away from Melbourne empty-handed.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on myself," he said. "But even though I'm still young, I've not come to Australia to make up the numbers.

"The senior guys in the team have made me feel really welcome and I'm totally settled. Whatever happens in the next few days, I won't suffer from nerves or anything like that.

"We've got a good chance in the team event. Singapore start as the favourites but, with the depth we've got, we should be capable of pushing them close.

"The individual and doubles events are harder to call but, if I play like I have for most of this year, I'm sure I'll be all right."

In the longer term, Drinkhall has already set his sights on London 2012. With the Olympics coming to Britain, sports such as table tennis know there will be considerable pressure to perform in six years time. Therefore, tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games have already assumed a greater significance.

"I think everyone's already starting to look towards London," admitted Drinkhall.

"Someone like myself has a lot of competitions to play in between now and then but, already, it's there at the back of my mind.

"It's a massive motivation because everyone wants to win an Olympic gold medal in their own country. It's a dream but, because we've won the Olympics, it's a dream that can come true if I show I can perform in big tournaments."