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Determined teenagers are attending school six days a week in an effort to achieve their full potential.

Aspirations sessions have been launched on Saturdays at Epping St John’s School to give Year 11 students extra time in the classroom to prepare for their GCSE exams.

Sessions focusing on every subject are being offered throughout the weeks leading up to the summer’s exam season, with three different sessions held each week.

Eposi Ewome, acting assistant headteacher, said: “This is a new thing for Epping St John’s School.

“Each week, we are seeing an increase in the number of students taking up this opportunity. Great communication with parents means students know exactly which sessions they should be attending and when. Students are encouraged to attend and feedback from parents has been positive; parents are seriously on board with this.

“We are bridging gaps, enhancing subject knowledge and giving students an opportunity to spend more time with their teachers if they need something explaining again. As they say, practise makes perfect and the more sessions they attend, the better it becomes for them.

“We are finding now that students are coming to us and asking for more opportunities to learn. There is that need; the children are craving knowledge.”

The Saturday school is the latest opportunity offered to students who can also attend after-school aspirations classes, such as homework club, independent study club and peer teaching sessions.

They also now spend three morning form times per week learning maths, science and English with their subject teachers.

Mrs Ewome said: “There are so many opportunities for our students. The morning sessions are ideal for those who are unable to stay after school; there is something for everyone.

“The sessions we are holding target every single ability. It is closing the gaps, but also challenging students to achieve their full potential. We want to push them to break barriers and they are embracing the fact we believe in them. I am seeing so much growth in confidence during these sessions. We have children already working at grade 7 and yet they are coming in as they want to push themselves to achieve grade 8 or 9. I am so proud of them all.”

Study sessions will also be held during half-term.

Stephen Hehir, executive head, said: “The work ethic of our students is great; to come and enhance their learning on Saturday mornings. This also shows the commitment and dedication of the wonderful staff who go above and beyond for our students. Well done to our wonderful students and staff!”