MILES DURRANT, an aspiring pilot has soared academically in this year’s CPEA examinations, placing first for boys and third overall.

Durrant, a student who attended the Fairhall Government School, tied for third alongside St Mary’s Roman Catholic student, Osanna Sprott.

He is also among three students who recorded a perfect 100 per cent score for Mathematics.

“I feel happy, I feel overjoyed and I feel relieved that CPEA is over,” the 11-year-old told SEARCHLIGHT this week. “I expected to do well but I was surprised that I did so well because there was so much competition.”

The son of Evan and Christel Durrant said he initially thought Social Studies was difficult but once he started checking over, he realised that it was fairly easy.

He added that he did well on the Mathematics exam because it was easy for him.

Miles’ formula to his success was to “study daily and find the right balance between work and play”.

And he thanked his teachers for their guidance and support.

“Miles is focused and disciplined. He has always performed well.We knew he had the potential, however he exceeded our expectations,” Evan Durrant told SEARCHLIGHT about his son.

He expressed pride in Miles’ achievement, and relief that the entire process is complete.

Durrant said both he and his wife ensured that assignments were completed in a timely manner and assisted their only child in finding the right balance between work and play.

He urged parents not to procrastinate and to support their children by ensuring projects are completed on time, while offering encouragement and managing playtime and work effectively.

Durrant thanked God for his son’s achievement, as well as Miles’ Grade five and six teachers at the Fairhall Government School, who he said also played a vital role.