Hasmonean student Adrian Bayer has found securing a university place surprisingly difficult, given that he achieved five A*s — maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

“Earlier this year I experienced first-hand how tough the competition is after being rejected by all four of the universities I applied to — and being offered an interview from only one to study medicine.

“I was told my application was quite strong and I achieved above average results in the admissions exams. But medicine is extremely competitive. I found myself under a lot of pressure academically — and in finding other activities that would set me aside from the competition.

“My friends say I play Xbox all day, do no revision and achieve top grades. If only.” He is currently at yeshivah.

Fellow Hasmonean pupil Joel van Messel received four A*s and two As and Joseph Breuer-Weil and David Luknar each gained three A*s and two As.