ST JOHN’S School in Marlborough has launched an investigation into allegations that a teacher helped students pass a coursework assessment.

The Gazette understands a senior member of staff overheard a student discussing how the students did not follow exam conditions during a test and a teacher asked the students to come back in half-term to change their answers.

The teacher is alleged to have talked students through the questions in the assessment, even though it is meant to be held in silence.

As a result grades improved significantly, with some students achieving 100 per cent.

Students have been quizzed about the assessment by senior members of staff and been asked to make statements.

A school spokesman said an investigation is under way.