BTEC exams are being halted at Bournemouth & Poole College this afternoon although some have already been taken.

The decision was taken after examination bodies said students will not be disadvantaged if they don't take their exams.

Earlier this week Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said GCSE and A level exams have been cancelled for this year.

But BTEC exams which started on Monday were allowed to continue.

A spokesman for the college told the Daily Echo: "Following Government guidelines, Bournemouth & Poole College has remained open for students to sit their vocational exams.

"The college is committed to ensuring all of its students are not disadvantaged and that they have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Our students have worked incredibly hard to prepare for their exams which began this week, and all have been conducted under our strict COVID-19 distancing rules."

But the college has now heard from awarding bodies who have promised achievement will not be affected if students don't take exams.

"The awarding bodies for our vocational exams have now confirmed that if students do not sit their exams they will not be disadvantaged in terms of achievement.

"We can therefore confirm that with effect from the afternoon of January 6 2021, exams have been cancelled during this period of lockdown. We are making arrangements to contact any students affected by this decision.

"Staff will now focus their efforts to ensure there is robust tracking for the awarding organisations for students’ achievement and progress."