Students at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham have been praised for their success in a range of national and international science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) challenges.

Pupils from the school, on Southminster Road, have won awards in a national maths contest and a global computer science competition, which both encourage students to consider a career in STEM.

Joanne Williams, principal of Ormiston Rivers, said: "I want to say a huge congratulations to all students involved - we never cease to be amazed at the outstanding achievements of all of our students.

"Their hard work and excellence have really shone throughout both competitions. They are truly inspirational."

Despite it being the first time Ormiston Rivers students have competed in the Senior Mathematical Challenge, organised annually by the University of Leeds, two students finished in the top five per cent of entrants and have progressed to the gold stage.

The competition requires students from schools across the UK to complete university-level maths.

Three Ormiston Rivers students achieved Silver and a further eight won bronze.

Pupils at the academy also took part in the Bebras Challenge during their computer science lessons against students from over 50 countries, which requires participants to answer multiple-choice questions on computational and logical thinking.

30 Ormiston Rivers students were awarded gold certificates for scoring in the top 10 per cent for their age group nationally.

They have been invited to participate in the Oxford University Computing Challenge which will take place in February.

Miss Williams said: "At Ormiston Rivers, we endeavour to give all our students the best possible opportunities and experiences to engage with their subjects.

"While we remain committed to their educational development, we also want to ensure we are demonstrating the full potential of STEM subjects."