Students in Year 9 at West Hatch High School took part in the Essex Regional VEX IQ Robotics Challenge in Colchester. 

Students built and programmed a robot and then competed with and against other Essex schools. 

The team finished in the top five participating schools.

The  West Hatch students are all involved with the STEM stream of the school's Honours Programme which is aimed at challenging and inspiring the top performing students. 

It was the first time West Hatch had competed in the challenge.

All the students enjoyed the day and the experience of competing against other schools. 

Student Josh Martin said: "It was a truly awesome experience."