STUDENTS who thought they could get away with flunking physics, bunking off biology or holding off on homework will have to think again.

Parents are being sent texts by teachers to tell them what they’ve been up to – as part of a unique experiment.

Nearly all 240 of Colne Community School’s Year 11 pupils have agreed to be guinea pigs in a project, led by Bristol and Harvard universities.

Between now and next summer, different texts will regularly be sent to parents by English, maths and science teachers at the Brightlingsea school.

One message will alert parents to important tests or assignments and their deadlines – as well as the result grade.

Another will be sent if a pupil doesn’t hand in homework.

The school is among 37 in the country which have agreed to part in the pilot project.