Ormiston Rivers Academy has said it is "delighted" with the success of its recent summer schools, which were held to support students transitioning from primary to secondary school.

The academy, on Southminster Road in Burnham-on-Crouch, held the summer schools over the recent holiday period to offer students the opportunity to meet their new teachers, support staff and classmates.

One mum said that her daughter had "the best week ever" and it had made her excited to start, while another parent commented that her daughter "had a blast" and was no longer nervous about the often daunting transition.

The summer schools were run across two weeks, one at the beginning of August and one towards the end, so as many students as possible could attend.

Jo Williams, the principal of the academy, said: "It is great to see how the summer school has provided invaluable support for our new Year Seven students to feel comfortable and confident in their new environment.

"It has been wonderful to hear so many of them speak about the fabulous things they were able to experience and enjoy during the summer school, and to see first-hand how this has enabled them to forge new friendships, familiarise themselves with their teachers and support staff, and to feel genuinely excited about the next phase of their educational journey."

Several staff members gave up their time to facilitate the summer schools, holding activities and taster sessions on subjects including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, P.E and Computer Science.

The staff also provided a range of experiences from planetariums, baking cookies and pizzas, arts and crafts activities, and animal experiences.

In addition, the children enjoyed a bouncy castle assault course and an ice cream van on the Friday of each week.