A team of four pupils from Bolton School's Girls' Division represented the Greater Manchester region in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s national, "Top of the Bench" final.

The four pupils, Jamilla Flaherty of Year 11, Victoria Lawson of Year 10, and Jessica Galloway and Hannah Furey from Year 9, took part in the final on Saturday 26 April at the Science Museum, London.

Alongside 26 other regional teams, the girls had to take part in three tasks:

• A short test of factual chemical knowledge
• A practical, chemical problem-solving team exercise in the laboratories of nearby Imperial College
• A treasure hunt round the museum finding information about exhibits in the galleries.

The girls achieved a very respectable eighth position.  Mrs Appleyard, Head of Chemistry in the Girls’ Division, said: “The girls were excellent - they were enthusiastic and worked hard.   We were a little disappointed not to come away with any prizes, but the competition was fierce.  We had a wonderful time.”