WRONG exam papers were handed out to students sitting their AS-levels at Bolton Sixth Form College.

Students were mistakenly given the AS-level biology paper two rather than paper one when they took their exam before the start of the half-term break last week.

College bosses say that very few students were affected and stressed they would not suffer adversely as a result.

The college contacted the exam board as soon as the mistake came to light to ensure students were not disadvantaged.

The mix up affected lower sixth students and not those sitting their final A-level exams.

The Bolton News understand that the students had to sign a document stating they would not disclose the questions which were in paper two.

Steve Wetton, principal of Bolton Sixth Form College, said: "Very occasionally mistakes happen in the administration of exams.

"When they do, as was the case for five students last week in a Biology exam, exam board procedure is followed, and in doing so, the fundamental principle is that students shouldn't be disadvantaged. "We were in touch with the Board immediately the mistake came to light and are confident that the students won't be disadvantaged."

Bolton Sixth Form College is rated good with outstanding features with results improving year-on-year.

The college is now one of the highest performing colleges in the North West and in the top 10 per cent of the whole country.

While other colleges saw a dip in results last summer, Bolton Sixth Form College saw their results rise.

Bosses are confident that this year's A-level results will be better than last year's when.

One person who contacted The Bolton News stated: "Bolton Sixth Form College gave the students sitting the AS Biology paper the wrong one these students did Paper 2 not Paper 1 which the rest of the country was doing.

"They now don't need to do paper 1 and have signed a document saying not to tell anyone about the paper."