Chemistry students at a pioneering independent school in North Wales have won the national final of a prestigious science competition.

Ruthin School was up against much larger schools and colleges with many more science students in the finals of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Schools Analyst Competition held at the University of Plymouth.

Yet, the three pupils from Ruthin School beat teenagers from 18 other schools by excelling in the challenge to devise tests to measure calcium and magnesium in drinking water.

The pupils, Alicia Chau and Saakar Byahut, both 17, and Bill Zhang, 16, won £750 in prize money for the school and received a £50 book token each.

Ruthin School Principal, John Rowlands said: “I am delighted and amazed, not because we lack the skills at Ruthin School, but because we are a small school, competing against much larger schools with many more chemistry students.

“This was a case of David versus Goliath, with Alica, Saakar and Bill beating schools and colleges with very large sixth forms – some with 1,600 students. It’s like Wrexham FC winning the FA Cup!

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Schools' Analyst Competition is a national event with more than 200 schools competing in regional heats throughout the UK.

Royal Society of Chemistry competition organiser Brian Woodget said: “The team from Ruthin School excelled in the final gaining around 90 per cent of the total marks allocated for the exercises performed.

“The adjudicators commented that the team appeared to be well organised and showed good team-working skills.”

Earlier this year, it offered seven full sixth form scholarships, worth £22,050 each, to bright local students.

For further information please visit www.ruthinschool.co.uk

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