A Hampton schoolboy got the best result in the country for a challenging physics exam.

A-level student, Alasdair McNab, achieved the highest score in the UK in the Cambridge Pre-U Physics exam, introduced at Hampton School last year to challenge able students.

Alasdair, who was school vice-captain last year, got three A*s at A-level as well as a D1 grade in the Cambridge Pre-U Physics paper, which exceeds an A* at A-level.

Alasdair, who is due read natural sciences at Christ’s College, Cambridge, found out last week his mark was the highest in the country and said he was in shock at the result.

He said: “All the way up to opening my results envelope on A-level day I was apprehensive about how I had done in this exam.

“I really wasn’t sure how it was going to go and so to hear the news that my grade is the best in the country is amazing and I am absolutely delighted.”

Hampton School headmaster Kevin Knibbs said: “Alasdair is shining example of a true Hamptonian. As well as achieving remarkable success academically, he played a full role in school life and is a wonderfully gifted actor.

“He is also an exceptionally modest and generous-spirited young man and I am delighted that he has achieved this recognition.

“I wish him well as he moves on to Cambridge and I am sure that he will also be a star on the university drama scene.”