BRILLIANT young brains went head to head in a closely fought academic final.

Kirkbie Kendal School were the victors of Top of the Form 2015 after overcoming Cartmel Priory CE School in the finale of the BAE Systems’ knockout competition on Monday night.

Supporters at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston watched a very close contest over rounds which tested the Year 10 and Year 11 students’ knowledge of science, engineering, maths and technology in a TV quiz-style format.

The two teams were tied at the break but Kirkbie Kendal then moved ahead and the final score ended 450 points to 395 points.

Cartmel had won the practical round which involved a mock submarine model being put to the test in a water tank. These models had been made by the teams over Easter during a visit to BAE site in Barrow.

Kirkbie Kendal were presented with the Top of Form Trophy from William Blamey, BAE Systems Successor programme director. The team also won £500 for their school.

Eloise McPherson-Bowes, 15, of the winning Kirkbie Kendal team, said: “It feels good to have won, I was not expecting that.

“It was close with the tie at the break but then we pulled ahead. We’d like to congratulate Cartmel, they were a really good team. Our team was so good, we all get on well.

“It’s very good to have businesses putting on competitions like this. I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve met lots of people.”

Andrew Russell, science subject leader at Cartmel Priory CE School, said: “I’d like to congratulate both teams. They both did fantastically well in a difficult arena being on the stage. Congratulations to the winners Kirkbie Kendal.

“Our team showed confidence and bravery, they have done themselves and their school proud. They have loved being in the competition. They had a great day visiting BAE over Easter.”

The contest has been organised and run by BAE Systems trainees, graduates and industrial placements.

Since February eight Furness and South Lakes secondary schools have been competing against one another with the hope of reaching the final.

Laura Wilson, a BAE Systems trainee in project management who was the project lead for Top of The Form, said: “I’ve been astonished by the depth of knowledge shown by both teams, and by both performances they should be very proud. I’d like to thank my project team for all their work on Top of the Form.”