Top of the form -- that's brainy 14-year-old Bernell Williams who has been hailed a prodigy.

The Bermudian youngster, nicknamed Rasta by his pals, has been among the highest scorers in numerous national tests.

And now he has come first in his class at Maryland's Johns Hopkins School, which caters for gifted students.

The school -- open to 12- to 16-year-olds -- features university-level courses.

When he applied last year Bernell achieved among the highest marks in the entrance exam.

And he followed up with another top score in the Scholastic Aptitude Test -- the pre-university exam taken by most American 16 and 17-year-olds.

Arriving at Johns Hopkins, the high-flying youngster soon settled in, making many friends.

"I was like the centre of attention,'' he told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

His favourite subject? Maths, although it is a close run thing.

"If there is a subject I don't completely understand I will look it up in the encyclopaedia and try to find out as much as I can,'' he said.

Bernell said his course was demanding but that the pressure was tolerable. And he had no problems fitting in with the other students.

Asked if he felt like an adult, a child, or a teenager, he replied: "All three. I know I'm a child. But I have the discipline to do what I have to do, to get my goals and priorities, and then I have time to kick back.'' It's not all work and no play, however, for the youngster, who is reluctant to speak about himself in terms that could be seen as boasting.

Describing himself as very athletic, Bernell told The Royal Gazette he had developed a passion for soccer.

"But my newfound love is lacrosse, although I'm not very good at it,'' he added.

Of the future, Bernell said he was thinking about medicine, although he is unsure of the requirements.

Bernell's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Williams, but yesterday he was accompanied by his mother's cousin, Mr. Erwin Nisbett. He described Bernell as a prodigy who remained modest about his achievements.

"He's being humble,'' Mr. Nisbett said while Bernell was having his photograph taken. "He won't tell you about it.'' It was Mr. Nisbett who recommended Johns Hopkins after his daughter was enrolled there.

HIGH-FLYER -- Brainy Bernell Williams, the pride of his school and family.