How he did it: Renish gets 100% in Maths

In the June series of Cambridge examinations, we had an incredible 8 students achieve 95% or higher in STEM subjects. This week we talk to Renish Shah (Year 12), who has - for the second time - achieved 100% in Cambridge Mathematics.

In 2024, Renish earned a perfect score in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics and received the prestigious Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award for "Top in the World". Achieving the highest mark worldwide is an extraordinary accomplishment in itself, made even more impressive by the fact that Renish was only in Year 10 at the time and was studying above his year level.

Below he shares in his own words how he managed to pull another perfect result.

"If you were to ask me whether mathematical ability is trained or ingrained, I would say it's largely trained. My strategy is to spread my learning over time rather than clumping up everything at once. In the lead-up to exams, about two months prior, I dedicate around an hour to an hour and a half each evening to revising and working through practice papers.

One of the reasons I enjoy mathematics is that there is a definitive right or wrong answer. I appreciate the certainty that comes with knowing whether I've solved a problem correctly, whereas in English and Social Science, it's more subjective. Success in mathematics comes from pattern recognition, understanding different question types, and putting in the time. The more exposure you have to a range of problems, the more confident and prepared you become.

Having already received a perfect score in previous exams, my goal to get 100% in this exam felt realistic. Mrs Zhou was really supportive and one of my good mates was also aiming for 100% so that also helped with motivation. When the result came through, I was ecstatic! Reaching a goal you've worked hard towards brings a real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment and I'm looking forward to celebrating once mocks are over.

My study tips would be to stay consistent and not get overwhelmed. Have a planner and keep up your study throughout the year rather than leaving it all until just before exams. Cramming the night before, or the morning of, an exam is one of the worst things you can do. At that point, you're trying to memorise formulas rather than truly understand the concepts, and that's not the best way to develop a contextual understanding which will serve you well, long into the future.

I am planning on going into Biomedical Sciences and becoming a Doctor, and will figure out a specialty based on what I enjoy."

• Renish Shah (Year 12)