A SCHOOL is giving pupils computers to help boost their performance in crucial exams.

Last year, New Rickstones Academy, in Witham, provided laptops to more than 100 Year 11 students to help with their studies.

As a result, the school says the year group achieved its full potential in their GCSEs.

Last year's laptops are now being redistributed to this year’s students, with an extra 70 purchased for the larger year group.

Head of school Simon Gibbs said: “After the recent success of last year’s programme, we are going to repeat the gesture and give every Year 11 student their own laptop to use.

“It is an important thing to do as it gives every student access to the technology they need to gain their qualifications.

“It means they are able to carry out their revision whenever they want to do it which fosters independent study. It brings that drive for them to start to study early.

“This donation takes the stress off of our families and gives students unrestricted access when they need it.

“By doing this last year, we certainly closed the disadvantage gap. Those who cannot afford technology performed as well as those who can.

“All students, regardless of their background, performed equally well.

“It removed that massive barrier, with technology being available to everyone and not just those who can afford it.”