A-level Maths Results For 78 Students Withheld After Leak Of Paper

The UK’s leading examination board announced that 78 students have been denied their exam results due to the leak of an A-level maths paper this summer. The breach happened before thousands of students appeared for an Edexcel maths paper on the 14th of June. The news caused concern for some candidates worried that it would put them at an unfair disadvantage. With A-level exam results due to be published next Thursday, Pearson, Edexcel’s parent company, has reviewed all mathematics papers in detail to ensure that all students get a fair grade that reflects their work.

Exam security has become a growing problem in recent years, with the spread of smartphones and social media enabling cheats to share leaked exam questions with ease, causing significant stress among students every summer. A review of exam malpractice is currently underway and is due to report this summer owing to the level of concern.

Pearson had initially stated that only two questions, heavily blacked out, were circulated on Twitter before the maths A-level exam. The exam was conducted amid reports that the breach was more widespread. However, on Friday, the company confirmed that the entire paper had been shared on a closed social media network before the exam even took place. Pearson has narrowed down the source of the breach to a single examination centre and individuals linked to the incident have been questioned and had their phones examined. The police are currently investigating, having seized equipment from two individuals who have since been arrested. The 78 students at the centre of the investigation are being held back from receiving their results while the board’s malpractice procedures are completed.

In addition, Pearson has addressed complaints from students and teachers alike that the second paper of the Edexcel A-Maths was overly difficult. Following a review, the company acknowledged that the first two questions were harder than expected, but insisted that overall the paper was fair. Even though Pearson confirmed the breach was unfortunate, the company remains confident in its alternative approach and technological advancements to prevent the reoccurrence of such leaks.