Reuven Shirazi was up at 6am to check his A-level results online and his early start was rewarded. The JFS pupil recorded one of the best exam performances in the country with six A*s and an A.

His results were easily enough to guarantee him a place at Cambridge, where he will read natural sciences at Gonville and Caius College.

The 17-year-old from Edgware was taken aback on discovering his top marks in maths, further maths and advanced further maths. He also excelled in three sciences and music.

"I'm so happy," he said. "I was smiling all day and my mum was ecstatic."

Reuven received 12 A*s and an A in his GCSEs.

He had a tough act to follow within the family as brother Gideon gained seven As in his A-levels. "We are a bit competitive," he admitted.

His secret for success? Knowing which parts of the courses to focus on. "Also, I worked hard consistently so I didn't have to do that much cramming in study leave."

And despite taking so many subjects, he enjoyed a surprising amount of free time. "My friends will vouch that I still had a social life."

Before going back to studies at Cambridge, he is planning a relaxing summer, including a holiday in Greece with friends. "I'd like to think I deserve it."

Longer term, the Bnei Akiva member intends to make aliyah after graduation but is not yet sure about his career path.

"It will possibly be something with science," he said. "Israel is a very technologically advanced society so there are lots of options."