10-Year-Old Poppy O’Malley-Flack Joins Mensa with 136 IQ Score

A remarkable achievement has been made by Poppy O’Malley-Flack, a 10-year-old student who has been invited to join Mensa, the largest high-IQ society in the world. This recognition came after a dyslexia test revealed her impressive IQ score of 136, placing her in the top 1% of the population.

Poppy, a Year 6 student at Gads Hill School in Higham, was referred for the dyslexia evaluation by her 11 Plus tutor, who noticed she was having difficulties with spelling. The three-hour assessment confirmed that Poppy does have dyslexia, but it also highlighted her exceptional intelligence, which has helped her to navigate her learning challenges effectively.

Her mother, Lucy O’Malley-Flack, shared insights into how Poppy has compensated for her dyslexia. Instead of relying solely on phonics to learn spelling, Poppy developed her own strategies to remember words. Lucy remarked, “We joked that she should be part of Mensa without really thinking much about it. But when I sent the report through, she was accepted.”

The family was taken by surprise by the acceptance. Lucy noted, “We did not expect it. She went into a dyslexia test and came out as part of Mensa.” Describing Poppy as “twice exceptional,” she emphasized that while they were aware of her intellect, they had not anticipated such a high IQ score.

Poppy has also demonstrated her intellectual prowess on the popular television show, The 1% Club. Despite her achievements, Lucy emphasized that Poppy is not a typical “bookworm.” She said, “She is just a normal child, not someone who studies all night in her room.”

Following this significant milestone, Lucy expressed pride and excitement for Poppy’s future. “We were shocked and surprised, but are really proud of her. She is so proud of herself. It gave her a lot of confidence going into her 11 Plus test,” she added.

Poppy’s story highlights the potential of children who face learning challenges, proving that extraordinary intelligence can coexist with dyslexia. Her membership in Mensa not only affirms her capabilities but also serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar paths.