VITAL exam coursework belonging to students at a Worle school has been lost after thieves ransacked the building and stole nearly �30,000 worth of computers.

GCSE media studies and music students at Worle Community School had saved many important documents for upcoming exams on systems at the Redwing Drive site.

A total of 28 Apple Mac iMacs, priced at about �1,000 each, which were spread across two rooms and chained to desks, were stolen in a raid at the school over the weekend between January 28-29.

Headteacher Peter Binding said: “The staff and students are devastated at this and some of the computers were only 12 months old.

“Many of our year 11 GCSE pupils had coursework on the systems so this has affected them.

“Thankfully the A-level music students had saved hard copies of coursework, but the ones who can’t redo the work will have to individually write to the exam boards to explain this – but the boards should be very understanding.”

Mr Binding said he does not hold out much hope of getting the computers back and the school is now going through the insurance process.

Worle Sergeant Dave Holtby said the school’s equipment is marked with SmartWater, an invisible substance which acts as an individual signature on the property, allowing police to spot stolen goods under a UV light.

Sgt Holtby said: “Since the incident we have made all schools in the area aware and have reminded them to make sure all rooms are locked up and ensure everything necessary has been done to protect themselves.

“There is CCTV at the school, but not in all parts, and the investigation is ongoing.

“People can smash through locks and windows but they will not be able to remove the SmartWater mark so it’s just a matter of time before they are found.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Call police on 0845 4567000.