The first ever cohort of students at a specialist STEM school have today collected their GCSE results.

Schools were forced to close to the majority of students in March due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

For GCSE students, it meant the summer exams they had been preparing for were cancelled.

Instead, their schools were tasked with producing recommendations for their grades, based on work they had already completed and ability they had proven in class, coursework and mock exams.

Today, the official results were released to Year 11 - and Year 10 completing GCSE courses early - at BMAT STEM Academy, in Harlow.

BMAT STEM is a University Technical College with a niche and unique curriculum for students in Year 10 to 13 interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

Having opened in September 2018 with just Year 10 students, this is the first year the school has had a Year 11 cohort.

Dustin Schuyler, head of school said: “This was our first Year 11 cohort at BMAT STEM Academy and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

“Ideally, we would have liked for them to be able to finish the school year off by sitting their exams, having a prom and saying goodbye to their friends and teachers in person. However, we know this experience over the past several months will make them stronger and more determined than ever.

“They have helped to transform this school and its reputation in the community due to their hard work and outstanding behaviour. They have laid the foundation for what we want this school to become and have been amazing role models for our Year 10 students.

“Most of our Year 10 students achieved grades in at least one GCSE this year as well and we know they will come back in Year 11 motivated and ready to build on these achievements, following in the footsteps of our spectacular Year 11s.

“Well done Year 10 and 11 on your results and thank you to Year 11 for a fantastic two years at BMAT STEM Academy. We look forward to seeing many of you in September in Year 12 when we open up our new sixth form.”

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