A GIRL who was home-educated until she was 13 has won a coveted scholarship to Marlborough College.

Tabby Johnson, 16, of Wootton Rivers, beat off 110 other students from all over the world to win the Lodolo Scholarship worth more than £40,000.

Year 11 student Tabby lives on a narrow boat with her mother Fiona, and sister Emily, 18.

She was home educated by her mother both in England and in Spain where the family lived previously.

She joined Pewsey Vale School three years ago.

At that time she was nervous about mixing with the other pupils.

She felt that the other children had been at the school together for years and that she would find it very hard to fit in.

"It turned out to be really easy," said Tabby.

Tabby passed her GCSE in Spanish when she was just 13.

Last year she passed two further GCSEs in statistics and media studies.

She is currently studying for GCSEs in 11 further subjects.

Tabby has set her sights not only on a political career but reaching the very top.

"I want to be prime minister," she said.

She said she was looking forward to joining Marlborough College - where the annual fees are £23,000 - next September.

When she is not studying she loves reading and her favourite authors include Terry Pratchett.

PVS headteacher Carol Grant said Tabby was an exceptionally bright student who deserved her success.

"It is a fabulous achievement," said Mrs Grant.

The Lodolo Scholarship offers financial support for two years.

The scholarship stipulates: "The award is intended for a pupil whose financial circumstances would make it otherwise impossible for him or her to attend Marlborough.

"It is expected that the pupil will show considerable academic potential and be keen to make a strong contribution to the extracurricular life of the school."