The 135 pupils are from schools across England and represent the country's top 5% of gifted pupils aged 11 to 16.

The event runs from 7 to 20 August in collaboration with the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth.

The academy was set up by the government in 2000 to improve provision for gifted and talented youngsters.

It has awarded the university funding to run a three-year programme of summer schools, which will benefit some 400 gifted and talented schoolchildren from around the country.

Expert tuition

Leeds is now one of eight top universities in England to deliver events for students in collaboration with the academy.

Courses of study at the summer school include an introduction to the Middle Ages, East Asian languages, philosophy, performance, bioscience and a course in physics, maths, food and colour science.

The pupils will work closely with experts in their chosen fields and have the opportunity to expand their area of knowledge while spending time with youngsters of a similar academic capacity.

Summer school coordinator, Harriet Main says: "The summer school isn't just about fostering the sharpest young brains in the country, although that's certainly part of it.

"It's also about supporting young people, building confidence in their abilities and introducing them to new experiences through a social programme that is just as busy and stimulating as the academic one."