HUNDREDS of teenagers are giving up their Easter holiday to stay at school.

About 250 16-year-olds have volunteered for a free High 5s Challenge to boost their chances of GCSE exam success and get a taste of university life.

The teenagers will spend three days at an Easter revision conference at Belmont School, Durham, working with specialist teachers.

They will stay at Durham University's Collingwood College on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, gaining experience of university life and working and socialising with counterparts from nearly 20 schools.

As well as daytime revision in subjects including English, maths, science and modern languages, the students will have supervised private study sessions in the evening.

"The aim of the High 5s Challenge is to raise achievement,'' said Chris Carling, of Durham County Council's study support unit.

"Young people who are on the borderline of gaining a C or D grade in certain subjects will have three days of focused and intensive revision with experienced specialist teachers so that they can achieve their full potential.

"They will also experience a taste of university life and have the chance to work with students from other schools.

"But it is not going to be all work. There will be plenty of time each evening for fun and socialising,'' he added.

Schools sending students to the challenge are: Blackfyne, in Consett; Fyndoune Community College, in Sacriston, Greencroft, near Stanley, Hermitage in Chester-le-Street, Stanley School of Technology, Ferryhill, Staindrop, Tudhoe Grange, Belmont and Framwellgate, both Durham, Parkside, in Willington, Wolsingham, Easington, Greenfield, in Newton Aycliffe, Seaham, Sedgefield, Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, Wellfield, and St Bede's, in Peterlee.