HARDWORKING students are being supported by the community while they undertake their GCSEs.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School's Year 11 students started sitting their GCSE exams on May 13.

Some local businesses have shown their support for the students by supplying them with breakfast items and messages of support.

The school community makes sure they are fully prepared with breakfast sessions on the day of the exams with experienced and senior teachers, with a hearty breakfast laid on to ensure they are properly fuelled for the task ahead.

Teachers are also hand-writing individual messages of support and ensuring the students go along to the extra revision classes.

Kate Finch, headteacher, said she is very proud of students' mature attitudes towards their studies and the way they are approaching these exams is something to be celebrated.

She said: "They know how important these steps are for securing their future careers of choice and university places.

"Parents and carers are championing their children along all the time, and I urge all members of the local community to show their support at this challenging time for our teenagers - have a chat with your nieces and nephews about which exams come first and how they've prepared for it, praise your friends' children and ask them which field they want to go into, let them all know that we understand how hard this time is and that we can see their success happening as a result of their hard work.

"I will be wishing them great success everyday when I speak to them, but I hope someone will read this to them at home too."