TEN year nine students at West Somerset College have completed the prestigious Brilliant Club Scholars’ Programme, with all achieving grades of 1st or 2:1, which equates to working at A Level quality.

The students visited Bristol University at the start of the year, to tour the Russell Group university, find out more about their challenge, and take part in a lecture on the history of medieval women.

Over the following weeks they took part in a series of tutorials, led by a PhD tutor, which culminated in a 2,000-word essay on the problem of evil and free will.

The tutor, Carrie Marsden, said: “Their assignments were truly top drawer and showcased their philosophical potential. It was a pleasure and a privilege spending time with them.”

West Somerset College teacher Deborah Eele, who visited the universities and provided in-college support, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this group of students, they worked independently, were committed and mature in their approach to their studies and tutorials, and didn’t miss a single deadline.”

West Somerset College thanked the West Somerset Opportunity Area and Next Steps South-West for jointly funding the opportunity for the students.