GIFTED students from state schools have the chance to pit their wits against more privileged pupils following an injection of Government cash.

The Clarendon School, Trowbridge, has received £13,000 from the Independent/State School Partnership Scheme aimed at high-achieving youngsters from different backgrounds.

Ten schools from west Wiltshire will be sharing the cash.

Colin Kay, headteacher at Clarendon School, said: "It is an opportunity to stretch the most able students and provides a fantastic challenge.

"Students will be joining in a partnership based on their abilities and not their background."

The project is available for Year 9 students and restricted to west Wiltshire but could be expanded if it proves to be a success.

Mr Kay said: "We are looking at plans to link up with schools across the country and even in Europe or all over the world."

The scheme begins in January and presentations will be made in front of a panel of judges next summer.

Pupils from private schools Monkton Combe and Stonar School are included in the project. State schools joining The Clarendon are The John of Gaunt School, John Bentley, Matravers, The George Ward, St Augustine's, St Laurence and Kingdown.