Through hard work, dedication and a love for mathematics, an 18-year-old has earned a spot at what is, arguably, the best university in the world.

The former Warwick Academy headboy Kevin Minors heads to Oxford University this autumn to study mathematics and actuarial science.

He has been told by the Oxbridge Society of Bermuda that he is the first Bermudian to make the transition from high school directly to Oxford without first attending an interim college or university. He received confirmation of his acceptance into the 800-year-old institution following a lengthy application and interview process and many mathematics exams.

"When I went to Oxford for the interview and further testing, I was able to meet lots of other people who love math as much as I do. It was a great experience," he said.

Like other applicants Mr. Minors was also judged on a 4,000-word extended essay, his knowledge of the basic philosophy of mathematics and his community service and volunteer experience.

"After all of that I still had to get a really high score on the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam," he said. "For Oxford to accept me I needed to get a seven which is the highest score possible in math and a total score of at least 39.

"I ended up with the seven I needed in math and a total score of 41."

He has since discovered he is the first student from Warwick Academy to score a seven in maths and the first to be accepted to Oxford.

Of huge benefit to his education is that he has received thousands of dollars in scholarship offers from various companies and organisations.

He has been forced to turn all but one of them down. Mr. Minors accepted a full scholarship tuition, board and two return flights a year from an insurance company. In exchange he must return to the Island and work for them as an actuary.

His advice to his peers: "Concentrate on what is important to you and focus on it. Sort out your priorities and everything else will fall into perspective. It is a matter of motivating yourself. Don't let external forces lead you astray. Keep yourself motivated and once you can manage that nothing can stop you."