A Talented Student Who Founded a Preparatory School While Still in School Shares His Experience on Achieving the Highest Score in an International Exam
17-year-old Kazakhstani student Saya Kydyrali set a world record by scoring the highest possible 9.0 in an international English proficiency exam. She is the only person from Kazakhstan to achieve a perfect IELTS score and the youngest IELTS expert in the world. Previously, only 0.5% of all IELTS test-takers managed to score 9.0.
At the age of 14, this young entrepreneur founded a preparatory school and now shares her future plans.
- When and how did you start learning English? What sparked your interest?
• My interest in English started at an early age. I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but my parents placed great emphasis on reading books and learning languages from a young age. My main goal was to develop myself without limits. English is a global language that opens doors to the best education and resources. When I first took the IELTS exam, I set a high goal for myself. It wasn’t just an exam—it was a way to prove my abilities and believe in my potential.
- Tell us about your business. You are still a student. Was it difficult to build and manage a team?
• I opened my IELTS preparatory school when I was 14. At first, I worked with a small audience, but as demand grew, I realized I needed a team. Building a team was challenging because I, too, needed experience. But my main priority was quality. When selecting teachers, I focused not only on their knowledge but also on their ability to connect with students and their sense of responsibility. Most of my students are highly ambitious, so I set high standards for both them and myself.
- If I’m not mistaken, you received offers to study abroad in 10th grade. Why did you turn them down?
• Yes, I received offers from several countries, but I decided to continue developing my own project. I wanted to contribute to education in Kazakhstan and take my school to an international level. My main goal is to help nurture more talented young people in my home country.
- You achieved the highest possible IELTS score. What are your next plans?
• The maximum IELTS score is 9.0, but this is just one milestone. Right now, I’m preparing for the SAT. I also plan to expand my school and launch new projects. For me, the most important thing is continuous growth—both for myself and for the people around me.
- While other kids were playing, you were studying. Did you ever feel like giving up? How did you overcome such moments?
• Of course, I had moments like that. Everyone experiences fatigue and a lack of motivation at times—it’s completely normal. But because my goal is so important to me, I quickly overcome these thoughts. Engaging in sports, spending time in nature, and being with loved ones help me recharge. The key is to always remind yourself why you started in the first place.
- In your opinion, what qualities does a person need to succeed?
• First and foremost, perseverance. Only those who are not afraid of obstacles and continuously develop themselves can reach great heights. Additionally, achieving results requires systematic work. Motivation alone is not enough—you need a clear plan and consistent action.
- How important do you think parental support is for students, especially 11th graders?
• It’s extremely important. Pressure and high expectations are one thing, but genuine support is completely different. 11th graders go through a lot of stress, so having their parents’ encouragement and belief in them gives them strength. The most important thing is to hear the words, “You can do it.”
- You set a record. What feedback did you receive from the IELTS center?
• The IELTS representatives highlighted my achievement as a rare accomplishment in Kazakhstan. Since many students from my school have also achieved high scores, several exam centers have expressed interest in collaborating with us. But for me, the greatest result is the success of my students.
- Thank you for the interview!
