A group of teenagers who were selected to take part in a Cambridge University research project have received top marks.

Twelves students in Year 9 from Burnt Mill Academy, in Harlow, were selected to take part in the Brilliant Club, a charity project by Cambridge University.

The aim is to increase the number of young people from under-represented backgrounds attending highly selective universities.

Having completed a 2,000 word research project with a PHD tutor, students were given a university style grading, students attended a graduation ceremony at the university.

Five pupils achieved a first in their assignments.

Assistant headteacher Erkan Ustura, Brilliant Club lead, said: “All of our students did fantastically well.

“The course aims to develop critical-thing, problem-solving and improve ethical reasoning skills. Students were asked to critically review scientific literature, present scientific posters and take part in active debates surrounding case studies, just as a researcher would.

“Students then completed a final assignment entitled Future of Genomic Technologies with determination and all passed with at least a 2:1 or 2:2 grade.

“It is hoped this experience will spur them on to applying to highly selective universities – like Cambridge – in future.”