HARD working students are set to earn a GCSE three years early thanks to an extra-curricular programme.

A group of Year Eight pupils from Manningtree High School have been staying behind after hours on a Thursday and during holidays to work towards a qualification in Citizenship.

Education consultants from Twenty Twenty Leaning have been working with students to teach them about human rights, the voting process, local government and charities.

Pupil Lyrica Wilsdon is delighted with the work she has had the chance to do.

“I think the Citizenship GCSE is a great opportunity and it is really interesting,” she said.

“It will definitely help us in life because Citizenship is involved in everything and I really loved doing it and it is also showing me new skills.”