WORRIED school leaders are raising thousands of pounds to get less fortunate children laptops to help with home schooling.

Heads at Quarry Hill Academy, Bradleigh Avenue, Grays launched the online funding appeal.

It comes as parents keep working hard to home school their children due to the Covid pandemic.

Teachers unions have also been calling for more equipment for our children.

A spokesman for Quarry Hill Academy said: “We are fundraising in order to fund desperately needed laptops and devices for children to continue their education.

“Due to school closures, the children of Quarry Hill cannot access their online learning due to a lack of laptops and internet connections.

“Funds raised will provide much-needed equipment for our amazing, deserving children.

“Laptops can also be donated directly to the school by contacting the school office.”

The school leaders are urging as many residents as possible to do their bit to help out.

It comes as the Department for Education has pledged to provide one million devices for schools and colleges.

Secondary schools in several parts of England, including Thurrock, are currently closed except for vulnerable and key workers’ children, and in local authorities with high levels of coronavirus, primary schools are also closed to most pupils.

Leaders at Quarry Hill Academy added: “We have children who are desperately in need of support to continue their learning, and they have no way of financing a device. We tried to collect donations from the community, but many devices are unable to run Windows and the software we need to learn.

“Therefore we are trying to raise money to purchase devices for these families who want to continue their education, but can’t due to their situation.”

So far £1,045 has been raised of the school’s £10,000 target, with 37 people donating cash and 178 shares of the page.

To donate see uk.gofundme.com and search Quarry Hill Academy.