TWO bright students at Priestley College are so determined to get their dream university places that they have completed an extra qualification outside of their A-levels.

Zohra Najimi, who wants to study medicine, and Ciara Glennon, who has her heart set on dentistry, finished their extended project qualifications (EPQs) at the college in record time.

Students with a high grade in the EPQ are now more likely to get offered university places as the course takes their skills to the next level.

Zohra, who is also working towards A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths, said: “I don’t take any essay-based subjects so it was really useful for me to develop those skills.”

The former Cardinal Newman High pupil wrote a 14,000 word essay on the subject of antibiotic resistance, using sources like medical journals, government records and World Health Organisation research.

Ciara, who wrote her essay on the legal arguments around fluoridation of water, is studying for A-levels in biology, chemistry and philosophy.

The Appleton teen said: “I always thought I would aim for a career in science because it’s just the way my brain works, I see patterns in everything.

“I was raised by a single mum who is a doctor so it never crossed my mind that I couldn’t pursue a career in dentistry.”

Priestley’s head of humanities Ian Hughes, who runs the EPQ, said: “The standard of their projects suggests that, not only are these two very capable young scientists, they will also achieve very high grades.

“The EPQ has been a perfect preparation for such demanding undergraduate courses as medicine and dentistry so we wish them well in securing their places and their time at university.”