EDUCATION bosses say they have not seen anything 'exceptional' in a Torfaen pupil who refuses to attend school because it is "too easy".

The Argus exclusively revealed on Wednesday how brainy Cliff Richard John - with an University tested IQ of 147 - refuses to attend Fairwater Comprehensive in Cwmbran.

The 13-year-old, pictured, claims the work is 'unchallenging' and 'completely demoralising'.

He is refusing to return until allowed to join GCSE classes - leaving his mother Gwynnyth Little, 49, facing prosecution and a possible £1,000 fine.

Cliff - named after the singer - of Cocker Avenue, St Dials said: "I find it more challenging at home."

But school bosses have hit back saying that an IQ test is not the best measure of ability.

Head Stephen Cocks said staff have been concerned about Cliff's attendance for some time.

He said: "We are fully able to deal with Cliff's needs and we are committed to help him achieve his full potential.

"Since starting at Fairwater in September his attendance has been poor and his work at school has certainly given no indication that Cliff is of exceptional ability. To move Cliff in to a higher year would place him in to GCSE classes and in the light of his current standard of work this would clearly be inappropriate."

Mr Cocks added the school had arranged a Cognitive Ability Test in October - the standard measure of all-round ability used in schools across Wales and England - but that Cliff was absent on the day.

He said: "It is important that we get Cliff's ability assessed by professionals."

The school also investigated claims the teenager was being bullied. "The school deals with any accusation of bullying as a very serious matter.

"The accusation was thoroughly investigated, though no evidence could be found to substantiate it."

His mother says she will now contact the school and arrange for her son to be tested. She said: "When the first test was arranged Cliff was sick and I will telephone the school to get it rearranged."

Mike de Val, director of education at Torfaen council, said: "We would also like to remind Mrs Little that she has a legal responsibility to send her son to school."