Concerned students were yesterday wondering whether they would still get onto the courses they picked.

One parent even threatened to "take the matter further" after her son was told he would have to wait up to two weeks to secure his future.

Pauline Hanness, of Pound Lane, Laindon, said she was not satisfied with the headteacher's reassurance regarding college places.

Her son, 16-year-old Michael, is hoping to go onto Basildon College - providing he gets the grades.

Mrs Hanness said: "My son has been on pins for weeks waiting for his GCSE results. He has a place at college if he gets the results he wants. That is now in jeopardy because of all this."

Her son said: "I was excited about coming here a year ago. Now this has happened, I am appalled."

Another student, arriving at the school to confirm the news for himself, is also worried he will miss the boat and lose out on his college course.

Craig Compton, 16, of High Road, Laindon, said: "I am really worried about my future now.

"I want to go to Basildon College to do an IT course. I hope they sort this mess out in time for me to go to college."

His pal Robert Kippling, 16, of Cathedral Drive, Laindon, finds himself in the same situation.

He claimed the same teacher lost his important Record of Achievement - used to store exam results and certificates to show to potential employers.

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