A FOREST student’s grade for a GCSE paper went from almost at the bottom of the scale to near the top after exam chiefs were asked to look at it again.

The result of an appeal also meant a massive leap in the student’s overall grade for the subject.

The paper from the student at Lakers School in Coleford was given a grade F by an examiner working for the AQA board.

Concerned staff at the school lodged an appeal and the result was the award of a grade A for the paper.

It also meant the student’s overall grade for the subject jumped from a D to an A. The school declined to disclose which subject this related to.

Around 10 students are currently awaiting the results of appeals against the grades awarded in this summer’s external examinations.

Alarm bells started ringing when students apparently came up well short of their predicted grades.

Lakers has not released its overall GCSE results as it is awaiting the outcome of the appeals.

Deputy headteacher, Mr John Barnard said: “We knew there were discrepancies that needed further investigation as our prediction grades for some students didn’t correlate with the examiners’ result.

“It’s impossible to judge exactly what a student will get, but predictions do give a good indication as to what a student should attain based on their academic capabilities.

“A recent paper, which was originally marked as an F, was remarked as an A taking the student’s overall grade from a D to an A.

“This is very serious – not only is there a difference of 40 marks but, more importantly, it determines whether a student can go to sixth form or not.

“Of course, the risk you take with submitting an appeal is some grades can go down.

“So far four or five students’ grades have gone up in subjects like science and religious education.

“Our main area of concern is English but so far we haven’t received any results.

“We are liaising with AQA on a daily basis for updates. It is a very anxious time for the school, parents and pupils.”

He also cleared up speculation that the announcement of the retirement of headteacher Allison Elliott was a result of the GCSE situation.

He said: “Mrs Elliott has devoted 15 years to Lakers School and her decision to leave later this year was made a long time ago.

“In the meantime it is a waiting game and as soon as we hear any news the students will be the first to know.

An AQA spokesperson said: “Lakers School sent 16 students’ papers back to us for re-marking. The 13 re-marks we’ve done so far have confirmed that most students’ grades were correct. However, we discovered a clerical error which affected one student’s grade. We know how hard students work for their exams, so we’re working closely with the school to make sure everyone has the result they deserve.”