More pupils use 'sob stories' to make the grade

Claims for "special consideration" can earn students an extra 5 per cent.

The exams watchdog, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, has reported a 10 per cent increase in successful claims last year.

This year's levels are expected to be even higher after the revelation that pupils with hay fever do worse in summer exams.

Students are given seven days after their last exam in a subject to make a special consideration claim through their school. According to the QCA, more than nine out of ten claims are granted.

Under guidelines drawn up by the exam boards, there is a tariff of circumstances and the marks they are worth, up to a maximum of 5 per cent.

For example, pupils can earn a 2 per cent upgrade if their pet dies on the day of a paper.

If the animal perishes "just before" the exam, candidates can qualify for an extra 1 per cent.

The maximum 5 per cent boost is given to candidates who have suffered a recent family bereavement or are caught up in a "serious and disruptive domestic crisis leading to acute anxiety about the family".

A severe car accident, "incapacitating illness", the death of a relative and recent major surgery are worth a 4 per cent upgrade.

A recent flare-up of asthma, diabetes or epilepsy, breaking a limb or witnessing a distressing event on the day of the exam merit 3 per cent extra marks.

Minor illnesses including hay fever and broken limbs "on the mend" warrant a 2 per cent marks boost.

More "minor" problems such as a noisy exam room or a headache warrant a 1 per cent rise.

In 2006, there were 274,967 requests for special consideration granted compared with 255,200 in 2005.

The number of approved applications last year represents around 1.8 per cent of the total number of exam papers completed, up from 1.2 per cent in 2005.

While applications for special pleading must be made by teachers rather than pupils themselves, schools have a vested interest in ensuring the highest grades for their students.

Nick Seaton, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, said: "When sob stories to gain extra marks appear to be increasing, the system has to be questioned.

"It appears to be encouraging youngsters to get used to mollycoddling." A QCA spokesman said: "The numberof cases of special consideration is relatively small compared with the total number of entries.

"But obviously wherever there is an increase in numbers it is something we would need to pay attention to and will be doing."

The exam boards say they deal with each claim on its merits, and stress that the upgrading tariffs are only guidelines.