The headteacher of a school where asbestos has been found wants to see exceptions made for the student's exams.

The King Edmund School in Rochford, closed on 15 November when asbestos was found during demolition.

The school shut after builders discovered “traces of asbestos” while preparing to begin construction on a new 30-classroom school block, replacing an old building which was demolished in May.

Headteacher Jonathan Osborn told the BBC he felt a "great deal of frustration".

Speaking to BBC Essex he said: "It's patently clear that the situation [the students] find themselves in, through no fault of their own, will have an ongoing impact and will make a difference to how they're able to engage with their exams, and that needs to be taken into account.

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"What adjustments can [the DfE] make that will be fair and reasonable for students so that the work they've put in is recognised in terms of the grades that they get?

"The reality of it is, the material does need to be removed and the site does need to be safe."

A DfE spokesman told the BBC the icy weather had delayed important testing and said it was working with other schools and the county council on "ensuring as many pupils as possible benefit from face-to-face learning".

"We are continuing to push for the works to be completed as quickly as possible," he added.