A NEW programme has been launched at a Runcorn school.

The brilliant club is designed to help students at The Grange prepare academically for university.

Pupils visited Manchester University to find out about the increased demands they will face in higher education.

Students were challenged to complete some in-depth research and prepare lengthy written essays.

A spokesman for The Grange School said: “The move from school to university can be overwhelming.

“This programme aims to take the confusion out of the transition and empower young people.

“These assignments not only encourage pupils to learn more about the world around them but also to gain valuable academic experience.

“They were proud of the skills that they gained and their confidence with university level course work was bolstered.”

Students also visited Oxford University as part of the prestigious universities programme and Cronton College.

They followed in the footsteps of Robert Peel and John Wesley as they had a guided tour of Christ College.

A chemistry masterclass gave them the chance to take part in experiments in one of the college labs.

“This was a great insight and taster to the types of experiments and cutting edge work that is done at the university,” added a Grange spokesman.

“Pupils found the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable and extremely beneficial to their development giving them a unique insight into what life would be like at an elite university.”

Students created a video diary of all the different colleges at Oxford and discovered fascinating faces about the buildings and the famous people who have passed through their doors.