Pakistani student Ibrahim Shahid flips through a book at the private Beacon House School in Islamabad on February 1, 2011. A Pakistani school boy has smashed a world record by getting 23 A grades in his O Levels. – AFP

KARACHI: Over 250 learners in Pakistan have received awards for exceptional performance in Cambridge examinations, including 53 learners who have achieved the highest marks in the world.

The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, Pakistan, celebrate academic achievements of secondary school learners in June 2010 examinations. Over next few weeks schools across the country will host individual awards ceremonies to celebrate their learners' achievements.

Learners who achieved top results for Cambridge O Level Statistics, which is taken during November examinations, have also been recognized for their achievements, as well as learners who have achieved total highest cumulative marks across a number of subjects have also been recognized for their success.

The winning learners out-performed thousands of candidates worldwide who sat examinations in Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A Level subjects, a tremendous achievement. These outstanding results are recognized by employers and universities around the world as proof of academic excellence.

William Bickerdike, Cambridge's Regional Manager for Middle East, North Africa & Pakistan says: “These results are a reflection of enormous talent in Pakistan, not only amongst the learners but also within the teaching profession. A great deal of hard work and dedication from learners, as well as support from their schools and families are behind these awards. They have a bright future ahead of them.