Excuses, excuses: more pupils use aches (and pets) to boost grades

RECORD numbers of teenagers are using headaches, hay fever or the death of a pet on exam day to boost their GCSE and A-level results, according to figures released today.

Almost 330,000 exam papers received up to five per cent more marks after pupils and parents pleaded for "special consideration" last year. This represented a 10 per cent increase in the number of marks altered from 2007.

There was also a rise of one fifth in the number of pupils receiving special arrangements when they took their exams such as the use of word processors, scribes, or more time to answer questions.

Experts warned that some students would be "trying it on" and called on watchdogs to remain vigilant.

Increases to grades vary depending on the circumstances. An extra one per cent can be awarded for noise during the exam, a headache or another minor ailment. An extra five per cent can be given to a candidate with a terminal illness or who has suffered a recent death of an immediate family member. Two or three per cent is given for broken limbs, hay fever or "extreme distress" on exam day.

The figures, from the qualifications regulator Ofqual, follow an increase in the number of appeals against test and exam results last year. Academics and unions have warned that children are under increasing pressure to do well in exams, while teachers' careers can be damaged by poor results.

Kathleen Tattersall, chair of Ofqual, said it was still important to ensure results were fair for children who encounter difficulties at exam time.

"It is very important that all candidates have fair access to qualifications to enable them to show their knowledge, skills and understanding," she said.

Ms Tattersall added that there was "more awareness among teachers and parents" that extra help was available.