A Jewish student was left smiling after his University Challenge team defeated their rivals by more than double points to win a place in the next round of the contest.

Jonathan Metzer was part of the Worcester College, Oxford team, which was one of four losing teams in the first round to achieve a high enough score for a special playoff.

The 19-year-old from Willesden Green helped his team see off St Andrews University with answers on Abbey Road Studios and the 2010 coalition agreement.

The Oxford team outdid their first-round score of 180, gaining 250 points to St Andrews’ 110.

Mr Metzer, a Bnei Akiva member, is currently in his second year at Oxford, where he is studying classics.

He and his team will now compete for a place in the quarter finals, hoping to bring their college its first ever win.

Former contestants on the show include Conservative MP Sir Malcolm Rifkind and JC columnist David Aaronovitch.