Nine New Zealand students have aced an internationally recognised exam by scoring 100 per cent in a subject, an extremely difficult feat.

The achievement in the University of Cambridge International Examinations, announced on Tuesday night, is one higher than last year when eight students gained 100 per cent in a subject.

Seven of the nine students - Saebom (Jenny) Kang, Liam Julian, Sunia Sun Shui, Chelsea Turner, Benjamin Van Het Bolscher, Julia Gessler, and Ye Jin Jeon - achieved their perfect score in AS level (Year 12) photography.

Five of those students attend ACG Strathallan college in Auckland and principal Robin Kirkham said the school was incredibly proud.

"We have a very strong art and design department and not only had five talented students gained 100 per cent, but out of the 28 who sat the AS photography examination all gained A grades, and at A Level seven got an A star grade [90 per cent or higher] and four got A grades."

More than 10,000 New Zealand students every year sit the exams, which can take the place of NCEA exams in Years 11, 12 and 13.

Brothers Eric and Glenn Jou also performed exceptionally, with Eric scoring a remarkable 99 per cent in Year 12 maths, 97 per cent in chemistry and 95 per cent in physics.

At ACG Parnell, Olivier Longley scored 100 in art and design (photography) while Laura Nementzik scored 100 per cent in maths and 95 per cent in combined science.

Francesca Templer achieved five grades higher than 90 per cent in her Year 11 Cambridge exams, despite only being a Year 10 student.

As part of the extension programme Francesca also gained As in two Year 12 (AS level) subjects.

ACG Parnell principal Larne Edmeades said all the students had distinguished themselves with such significant achievements.

At Macleans College 24 per cent of students who sat the A Level (Year 13) exams passed with marks higher than 90 per cent.

Principal Byron Bentley said the high-quality grades reflected the academic ethos of the school.

"We expect our students to work hard all year and achieve at the highest level. They are taught by highly qualified teachers so everyone is working to achieve the same result."

St Peter's College headmaster Kieran Fouhy said the Catholic boys' school produced a 99 per cent pass rate in the A Level exams with dux Nicolas Twort scoring above 90 per cent in three exams.

King's College headmaster Bradley Fenner said:

"We've had wonderful results from some of our top students. One boy has already been admitted to Harvard [University in the United States]."

Cambridge exams

Year 11 International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
Year 12 Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
Year 13 A2 (A Level).