A project aiming to get more students from under-represented backgrounds into university has launched at a Witham academy.

Pupils at Maltings Academy, in Maltings Lane, have signed up to take part in the Brilliant Club, a project hoping to raise disadvantaged youngster's aspirations.

A PhD level tutor has been visiting the school once a week, and students have been tasked with completing a project which is assessed and given a degree-style grade.

Lisa Shannon, assistant vice-principal at Maltings Academy, said: "The Brilliant Club is aimed at the most able students, but with a focus on those under Pupil Premium.

"The first thing many of our students say is that they can’t afford to go to university. But, they get to meet university students who are from working class backgrounds who explain how they have been able to go to university with grants and support.

"It makes our students realise it is an absolute possibility for them, too.

“The project is absolutely amazing and really raises aspirations. All of our students who have taken part in this now want to go to university.”

A group of year nine and ten pupils from Maltings secured First or 2:1 grades for their work.

A separate group, whose project was focused on how to grow a retina, are set to attend a celebration lunch at Cambridge University.

Miss Shannon said: "The students get such joy from achieving those grades and bring back skills to the classroom, such as high-level thinking and writing.”