MISTAKES in marking by examiners meant more than 200 English papers from pupils at St Joseph's School had to be remarked.

In one case, teachers noticed that an examiner had spelt 'Shakespeare' incorrectly in a comment.

Teachers became suspicious about the unusually low scores, and set about marking the papers themselves using an examiners' guide.

Headteacher Peter Wells said: "We sent the papers back to the board, ASA, which agreed that errors had been made.

"When they were returned, all but one child got a higher mark, and in some cases their scores went up by 14 points."

Generally, Mr Wells was pleased with Key Stage three results.

ASA declined to comment, but a spokesman for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority that is responsible for marking, said: "QCA aims to achieve accurate and consistent standards of marking.

"Markers are given extensive training, are closely monitored and not retained if they fail to meet standards required.

"It is widely recognised that achieving consistent marking in English is challenging because of the wide range of ways pupils express themselves. This is particularly true in writing where pupils give very individual responses.

"Marking accuracy has increased recently and new measures are being introduced next year to further improve consistency. Any school with concerns about their results can ask for marking to be reviewed."