Four years after moving from Israel to London with his family, Re’em Moskovitz was the standout A-level student at Bushey’s Immanuel College, receiving A*s in maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

“It was difficult when I moved here,” Re’em recalled. “It was a culture shock, especially because my English wasn’t good and I was bombarded by information that I had to learn so fast.

“My English teachers and friends helped me learn the language and bridge the culture gap.”

His subject choices reflected a long-standing interest in scientific disciplines — “they’re more universal and I’m able to understand them across the worldwide barrier. Some of my exams required essay or long answers and I found explaining with the right words quite painful.

“Making the most of the time I had was essential.”

Re’em decided against a gap year because he did not want to interrupt his education. He’s not yet sure what he wants to do long-term. “I’ve chosen a very broad course as I don’t want to specialise too quickly. “In the end I suspect that I’ll go into biochemisty or psychology.”

He is currently holidaying in China but spent last summer working on research into a potential cancer cure at Haifa Technion, assisting Nobel Prize-winning scientist Irwin Rose.