BUDDING scientists will return after the Easter holidays to a £16,000 refurbished laboratory at St Hilda's School, Westcliff.

Teachers hope the upgrade of facilities and equipment in both science laboratories at the independent school will further bolster the school's science record.

Last year more than 80 per cent of the science candidates gained A*-C grades in their GCSE exams.

Delighted headteacher Susan O'Riordan said: "As a non selective school our results are well above the national average.

"New equipment and facilities in the upper school can only help further enhance those results."

Science teacher Beverley Atkins, who is retiring after 27 years, said: "In one experiment we created a mini fire extinguisher out of containers with fixed tubing.

"We filled the containers with substances which created a foam.

"The girls really enjoyed their science experience, which was very rewarding for me.

"Also, because it was so safe, with such small groups, I thought up and incorporated experiments into every possible part of the curriculum. This made it more interesting for the girls and helped them to remember the work better."