PUPILS are on course for university after completing a series of masterclasses.
More than 80 students from east Durham schools travelled to Teesside University each Wednesday for four weeks for two-hour sessions in computing, design, engineering, English or history.
They were chosen for their abilities in the subjects to participate in the scheme, part of the Excellence Challenge initiative, which aims to improve GCSE performance and give students a taste of university-style learning.
The schools involved - Dene Community School of Technology, Easington Community School, Seaham School of Technology, Shotton Hall School and St Bede's School - are all from either the Easington and Seaham or the Peterlee Education Action Zone.
The project has attracted strong support from parents, and many of the students involved are now committed to going to university.
Excellence Challenge co-ordinator Peter Phipps said: "The project has given the students a tremendous opportunity to experience life at university."
The students will be rewarded for their efforts at a presentation evening, at Shotton Hall conference centre, on Monday, from 6.30pm to 8pm.
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