Some pupils said the paper was hard to read

The geography exam eventually started when a copy of the paper was faxed to the school and photocopies were made.

Some pupils at Ashby Grammar, in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, said parts of the photocopied paper were difficult to read.

John Kenny, whose son Alexander was among the students affected, described the situation as "bit of a shambles".

He said: "Apparently the paper is worth 35% of total marks, so hopefully it won't affect them too much, but there is a worry about grading.

Signed receipt

"These people should have learned their lessons from last year and all the shambles that occurred then."

The exam board AQA said they were not to blame as the exam papers were sent out on 19 May.

It also claimed to have a signed receiept to say the papers were received by the school.

However the board said it would do "everything possible to make sure the students are not penalised for somebody else's mistake".