La Salle's top achievers - Patrick Wong Chung-pak, Henry Keung Pit-kai and Jimmy Ng Wai-sing - insisted they were not bookworms. They attributed their success to a healthy balance of work and play. All three are active in extra-curricular programmes and community service.

Patrick, 17, has been an active Red Cross member since Form One. He has always had an interest in medicine, and witnessing a cousin battling liver disease has strengthened his resolve to become a doctor. He will apply to study medicine at the University of Hong Kong, under the Early Admissions Scheme (EAS).

Henry, 17, who has just returned from a World Scout Jamboree in Britain, is a firm believer in all-round development. Scouting is just one of his many interests.

'I'm also a member of the student council, computer club and Chinese debate team,' said Henry. 'I have a busy schedule, and I spend about eight hours a week on revision. The key is good time management.'

Jimmy, 16, put his success down to La Salle's competitive atmosphere. 'There are many top students in my school. Surrounded by brilliant students, I have to keep working hard.'

All three young achievers said the English papers were much easier than they had expected. 'The English exam seemed to be Form Three level,' said Patrick. 'It was a lot easier than our previous English exam papers.'

Beginning this year, the highest possible score at the HKCEE is eight As and two 5*. The stars apply to the two language papers, Chinese and English, which are now being graded differently, in line with an international exams marking practice that uses standards-referenced reporting.