The theft of a schoolgirl’s laptop and valuables while she sat an exam has left her shaken and scared to go to school.

A Bushey Meads pupil left an exam hall to find her bag, containing a laptop, phone, charger, and other valuables had been stolen from a rack outside.

The phone was then thrown on the ground and found smashed outside the school gates, in Coldharbour Lane, which her family believes was done in case of tracking software.

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Her mother says what happened has taken "a huge toll on my daughter's mental health".

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that the theft, sometime between 1.45pm and 4pm was reported on February 23.

A spokesperson said extensive enquires have been conducted and are ongoing.

The girl's older sister explained that the year 12 has found it hard to go to school since.

“She is scared for her stuff," she said. "She is scared it could happen again.”

The sister added: “With the financial crisis, we can’t simply buy another laptop.”

The family were upset the school didn’t report it to police right away, leaving them to do so later, and criticised the overall school response.

“I am extremely frustrated and disappointed in the way Bushey Meads is handling this situation,” her mother said.

She claimed the school has refused to take any responsibility and has been slow to provide updates or respond to questions.

Bushey Meads says students are regularly reminded to avoid bringing expensive items into school and to ensure any valuables are placed in lockers or handed to staff.

Bushey St James Trust executive principal Jeremy Turner said the theft was fully investigated and CCTV was carefully reviewed.

“Unfortunately the school was unable to find sufficient evidence to pursue the matter further and have met with the victim and her family to explain their findings on several occasions,” he said.

He added that Bushey Meads advised the family to report it to police and the student was offered support including the long-term loan of a Chromebook.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting crime reference 41/15801/23.