After the 156 students were given their question papers and multiple choice answer sheets last Thursday (20), it was discovered that the possible answers did not fit with the questions posed which resulted in a 45 minute delay while the school sorted out the problem with the examining board Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA).


Head teacher Ellenor Beighton said: It took us 45 minutes to sort the problem out and when we finally got through to AQA they were most unhelpful. I got no response whatsoever when I asked why it had happened.


"The mistake not only affected the student taking the exam, but all students taking an exam that morning and AQA have failed to comprehend this."


Now the school is to seek 'special consideration' for those students as the problems added to the stress they would normally expect in an exam. Other students in the same hall, taking different exams, were also affected by the general confusion.


In a letter to AQA, Mrs Beighton said: "We feel that this situation has left the candidates affected in a very unfair position and has increased the likelihood that their individual performance will be affected."


In a letter to the school, Andrew Bird, deputy director general of AQA, said they were 'very sorry' about the errors.


"We apologise sincerely for the concern and worry caused to candidates and staff. We will do everything we can to ensure a fair outcome for the candidates".


He added that a free resit would be available to any candidate.


More than 100 students at Lincoln's Yarborough School were affected by the same problem but neither of the other two secondary schools in this area.