Bermudian youngsters appear to be brighter than the British average, according to a top English educational psychologist.

And James Stevenson, who practices in London, said they are well above the level needed to score good marks in English national exams and to qualify for university entrance.

But youngsters in Bermuda are better at mental arithmetic than reading and only adequate at spelling.

Mr. Stevenson said: "It is clear that the population in Bermuda is of essentially high intelligence.

"There was clearly an advantage in terms of mental arithmetic while the spelling was adequate and the reading was a little disappointing in comparison with the the average age and IQ of the group.'' The study was based on more than 70 youngsters, who were found to have an average IQ of 126, six points above the average Mr. Stevenson would expect to see in England.

Mr. Stevenson added that the weaker reading score could be an indication that bookworms are not common in Bermuda.

He said: "I have noticed that children in Bermuda tend to be very busy out of school hours with a whole variety of activities including sports and art.

But he added: "While this is very good for their development, children also do need time for themselves, not only for activities such as reading, but also for general socialising with other children of their age as this is an important part of learning to grow up.'' Mr. Stevenson said the average age of his 72 clients was 11.8 years. He added the average IQ of 126 was expected to be bettered by only four percent of the population.

The average IQ for acquiring the English sixth form A level exams is 118, while the average university entrance IQ in England is 123.

Mr. Stevenson said: "The Bermudian average is clearly above this and of the children or students I have already assessed, no less than 62 were of potential university ability.'' He added that Bermudian children also appear to have a stricter upbringing than those in England -- which could make them less suited for more progressive schools abroad where youngsters are given more responsibility for their own behaviour at an early age.

But he said: "Children are very adaptable and of the group of about 25 that have been placed in England through my assessments all appear to have been happy and to have adapted well.'' Mr. Stevenson, who will be in Bermuda from October 31 to November 13, said that Bermudian parents thinking of sending their children to school overseas were often worried about the quality of care their offspring will get.

But he added: "Many schools have now been encouraged to take a more caring attitude towards the needs of students from abroad.

"And I do not think there is any cause for concern as, in any case, I would never be sending children to any school where I was not satisfied that a good standard of pastoral care existed and where there was any question of bullying, either mental of physical.'' Mr. Stevenson -- regarded as an expert in English education -- said he had also visited America four times to bone up on educational opportunities there.

He added he was also prepared to offer guidance to older people who might want to change their jobs or advance their careers, as well as recruitment assessments for companies.