A number of parents have lodged complaints after their children were given “extra” questions in an exam – and no time extension.

Pupils in south west Hertfordshire, who have just started year 6, sat an entrance exam on September 3 in a bid to secure a place at a preferred school next year.

The academic ability test put on by the South West Herts Schools Consortium challenges the children’s knowledge in maths and verbal reasoning. Those who achieve the highest scores win a place at one of the consortium’s seven member schools.

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But this year’s test has become clouded in controversy after parents accused the consortium of failing to give pupils “prior notice” about the number of questions in this year’s maths exam.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Every year, children would be given 50 maths questions to complete in 50 minutes and 80 verbal reasoning questions, also in 50 minutes.

“This is on the website and in all of the recommended practice books. But the kids noticed in this exam, there were 60 maths questions but still only 50 minutes.

“No one ever informed the parents, pupils, or teachers that there would be 60 questions.”

The parent says the extra questions caused “panic” and says she is aware the majority of children were unable to complete all 60 questions in time.

She also believes the pupils’ mindset will have been affected “negatively” for the second exam.

The parent added: “A lot of people have complained as this is unacceptable. We should have been warned in advance so the kids could prepare properly for the exam. Why were we not informed?”

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The Watford Observer has seen an email which suggests a meeting is to be held between parents and the consortium to discuss the issue after October 19.

Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for the consortium said: “We have recently communicated with all parents whose children have taken the South West Herts Consortium Schools test.

“Further, we would like to reassure all families that we have every confidence in this year’s test.

“However, we cannot comment on the content or components of the test at this time because there are still a number of children who will be taking the test and we need to ensure fairness to all candidates.”

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