Students at a Laindon school who are still waiting for GCSE exam results have been told by college and careers chiefs not to worry.

Reassurances have been given by Basildon College principal Chris Chapman and Basildon Careers area manager Francesca Wheeler.

Mr Chapman assured students places would be held open for them.

He said; "We will talk to the school and work on the teachers' recommendations and make sure that the students do not suffer. What we can also do is keep open some places for those who are a little bit late with their exam results.

"The GCSE results would normally come out on Thursday and our term starts on September 7. But the first week is usually just induction courses and the term does not really start proper until September 13. That should give enough leeway.

"I will make absolutely certain that no-one is disadvantaged by this. We are here to serve the community of Basildon and it would be unfair to add to the student's concerns."

Ms Wheeler, of Essex Careers and Business Partnership, said the careers service would help any youngster who's exam results were delayed.

She said: "Many companies accept students on the basis of what they expect to get in their exam results. We offer a vacancy service throughout the year and many young people come to us without knowing their results at the time of application for a job.

"It is not the end of the world for these students. If anyone is panicking they can contact us as we can help them with applying for job vacancies. As of next week the Basildon careers centre is available for young people who have completed their GCSEs.

If the young people have any problems at all, even if they wish to apply for a job and do not have their exam results, we can help. It will not affect their chances as employers often see people who have yet to receive their results."

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