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Brilliant teenagers from Harlow have been inspired to strive for further education after taking part in a project with Cambridge University.

A group of 12 Year 9 students from Burnt Mill Academy were selected to take part in the prestigious university’s Brilliant Club, a university access charity with a mission to increase the number of young people from under-represented backgrounds attending highly selective universities.

The students have been paired with a PHD tutor at Cambridge University to work on a research project.

Work will be given a university style grading and students will attend a graduation ceremony in February.

Assistant headteacher Erkan Ustura, Brilliant Club lead, said: “Our students are getting a real idea of university style teaching and of the skills needed to write essays. It is a completely different learning experience for them. They are gaining independent study skills, which is the most important part.

“They had never been to university before and are really keen to go on to study at university now having met students and experienced the lifestyle.

“It’s a wonderful experience and they are quite excited.”

As part of the project, students visited SOAS, University of London and took part in a biology lecture.