An MP has praised a north Norfolk school which is part of a national scheme to bring university-style education to high school students for its 'amazing progress'.

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb met with pupils at Stalham High School, on Friday, September 28, to hear about their experiences on The Scholars Programme, and praised the scheme for its 'wider impact' at the school.

The programme places PhD researchers into state schools to offer university-style tutorials to small groups of school pupils.

Liberal Democrat MP Mr Lamb met a group of year nine and ten pupils studying the role of Serbia in the First World War.

He described the visit as great, and added: 'I was very impressed at how they engaged with such a complex and challenging academic topic.

'It just goes to show what young people from North Norfolk can achieve if we give them the opportunity.

'I wish the students the very best for the future, and I encourage more schools to give their students the chance to benefit from this programme.'

Mr Lamb added: 'It is also great to see how the programme has had a wider impact at the school.

'Stalham High School has made amazing progress and is now one of the highest-performing schools in Norfolk, particularly in maths and English.'

The course taught at Stalham High School, titled The Forgotten Campaign: Serbia in the First World War, 1914-1915, is delivered by tutor Sam Foster from the University of East Anglia.

Assistant headteacher Paul Norris said: 'I was delighted to show Norman Lamb the work pupils are doing.

'I'm proud of the achievements of our pupils and excited to see how their participation inspires their university choices.'

He added: 'The impact of the programme is reflected in our ever-improving results.'

The scheme, delivered by charity The Brilliant Club, also offers university visits, advice and guidance aimed at getting pupils into higher education.

Chief executive Doctor Chris Wilson said: 'There's an entrenched link between a young person's background and their chance of educational success.

'The Scholars Programme helps pupils develop the knowledge and skills to fulfil their academic potential and secure places at highly-selective universities.'