He was not the infant prodigy that many mathematicians are, rather the reverse in fact for he was considered as a child to be without many gifts. He attended Derby School where he was well taught, but failed to shine until he was 13 years old when he suddenly amazed everyone by gaining distinction in the Cambridge Junior Local Examinations in mathematics, natural sciences, French and music.
Siya ay hindi ang sanggol kagila-gilalas na maraming mga mathematicians ay, sa halip ang reverse sa katotohanan para siya ay itinuturing bilang isang bata na walang mga regalo. Derby siya pumasok sa paaralan kung saan siya ay nagtuturo ng mabuti, ngunit nabigo sa magningning hanggang siya ay 13 years old kapag siya biglang amazed everyone sa pamamagitan ng pagiging pagkilala sa Cambridge Junior Lokal eksaminasyon sa matematika, natural na siyensiya, French at musika.