BRIGHT sparks at a Somerset secondary school are celebrating their success in a project which boosts their chances of gaining a place at university.

Some 31 sixth form students at The Kings of Wessex School took part in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a student-led 5,000 word dissertation style piece of work.

This year an impressive 55 per cent of students gained a grade A or A*, and Freddie Mehlig gained 49 out of a possible 50 marks for his study of whether capital punishment can be justified in contemporary Western society.

The EPQ is open to all year 12 students and they can gain additional UCAS points which could help them gain a university place.

Throughout the process the students are supported by teaching and non-teaching staff supervisors, who volunteer to act as a tutor.

Headteacher Chris Richardson said: “I would like to praise all our students who undertook the EPQ this year for their efforts and commitment.

“This is a wonderful achievement of independent learning. I also thank our staff who gave their time to support the students in their work.”