The top performing student at Bermuda High School said that going the extra mile has been key to her success.

Madison Quig added that knowing more than the curriculum required helped her excel in her studies.

Now, as she enters her final two years at school studying for her International Baccalaureate exams, she has her sights set on a career involving maths or science.

Madison said much of her drive and dedication comes from the support and encouragement of her parents, as well as her school environment.

She added: “My mother and my father have always worked very hard, therefore to me the idea of working hard was very normal as that was what I have been surrounded by.

“Additionally, another thing that my mother has always instilled in me was to not quit and to work hard if I want to achieve my goals. If you start something, you have to commit to it and see it through.

“Quitting was never an option in our house. Nor was not working to our full potential.

“We aren’t expected to be the best in our house but to work to our potential. And this applies to my education as well — I couldn’t have got the results I achieved if I had stopped trying when the work became difficult.”

Madison, 16, from Paget, said: “Maths, accounts and biology — they are my strongest subjects.

“My father is an accountant so I’m guessing that comes from him. I am looking into going into medicine or actuarial sciences accounting, something to do with maths and science I really enjoy. Eventually I will probably end up back in Bermuda — this is where I was raised but it just might not be right away.”

Madison was speaking after she notched up 11 A*s in her IGCSE and GCSE results this year and was the top achieving BHS pupil in both Year 10 and 11.

She was also awarded the IB Merit Award for top IGCSE mock exam grades.

Madison said the key to academic success was not to be afraid to ask for help.

She added: “I think that it is very important. If a student is struggling with understanding some information, it is important to be proactive and not wait until right before the exam to ask for help.

“They can go to the teacher and ask for help, look online or go to a friend to seek clarification.

“In addition, it is important to tell your parents if you are struggling as they are not able to help if they are unaware that you are struggling.”

She warned there was no alternative to hard work.

Madison said: “It is important to keep up with your work in class and your homework. It is necessary to learn and understand the information when it is taught and not to put it off until right before the test as it will be too late.”

Madison believes that while social media can be seen as a distraction, it can also be incredibly useful for academic purposes.

“I have often reached out to my friends and vice versa [on social media] to discuss homework and assignments. Also, the internet is very helpful when looking for additional course material.”

Madison has a string of other awards, including the BHS Alumni Association Centenarian Award 2015-16 and the Susan Palmer Math Award for highest maths exam result from 2012 to 2016.

She came third in the CTY Math Olympiad in 2015 and second the year before.

In addition, Madison is a keen sportswoman, active in community service and been a top debater in Bermuda.

She swims for the BASA Dolphin team, plays basketball, netball, squash and sails an SL16 catamaran. The teen was also picked to represent Rotary Interact at the Rotary International United Nations Day in New York two years ago.

Madison said: “It was important for me every day to take a little time to relax, maybe going out and playing a sport.

“It is too much if you try to sit there the whole time — it is not going to do you any good.”