SCHOOL bosses have said "all students have been accounted for and are safe" after a coach carrying children crashed on a roundabout.

Colchester County High School For Girls, in Norman Way, has confirmed five pupils have been taken to hospital following a coach crash.

The major incident occurred on the A12 access road to Spring Lane and Cymbeline Way at about 8.50am this morning.

The students onboard the large vehicle, owned by AJK Coaches, were being driven to school when the coach and another vehicle collided.

The driver of the coach has since been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Some of the children have also been taken to hospital, although none of their injuries are being treated as life-threatening or life-changing.

Bosses at Colchester County High School For Girls have now issued a statement addressing the incident.

A spokeswoman said: "There was a road accident this morning involving AJK Coaches transporting students to Colchester County High School for Girls.

"All students involved have been accounted for and are safe. Five students were taken to hospital accompanied by CCGSG staff and their parents were informed. 

"All other students on the coach were collected in our school minibus and were accompanied to school by CCHSG staff. 

"Paramedics are in attendance at CCHSG checking all students.  All parents of those students involved have been informed by the school. 

"We thank parents and staff for their calm and supportive response."