FOUR Barton Peveril students were successful in this year’s UK Chemistry Olympiad.

The group were awarded for their work in the annual competition, which sees youngsters sit a complex exam that stretches their knowledge beyond the materials covered on the A Level syllabus.

Sophie Wade, who formerly attended Swanmore College achieved a Bronze Award; Toby Wolversion and Rowan Browning, of Wyvern College and The Henry Cort Community College, respectively, earned Silver Awards; and former pupil of The Hamble School, Eloise Green, received a Gold Award.

Speaking on the students’ successes, Barton Peveril’s Subject Leader of Chemistry, Andy Penson, said: "Designed to challenge and inspire, the UK Chemistry Olympiad is the leading chemistry competition for students in secondary education across the British Isles. This enriching experience is a unique opportunity for students to push themselves further and excel in the chemistry field.

Budding chemists will develop critical problem-solving skills, learn to think more creatively and get a chance to test their knowledge in new, real-world situations. Our students independently prepared for this challenge with very little help from their teachers which makes their achievements even more remarkable."

Sophie Wade added: "Doing the Olympiad gave me an insight into the real world applications of chemistry. The questions we answered were to do with issues like climate change and drug synthesis which are very important to the world at the moment. I'm glad I took part and am proud to have gotten an award for my efforts."