A MALVERN school where the wrong book was taught for an exam is an “issue of concern” to the Department for Education.

The Worcester News reported yesterday how pupils at Malvern St James, Avenue Road, sitting the International GCSE English Literature exam on Thursday opened their papers, only to find no questions relating to Spies by Michael Frayn, one of the set texts they had been studying for the last year.

A spokesman for the Department of Education said: “What happened at St James is an issue of concern and the department is considering appropriate next steps to get assurance about the school’s procedures.”

The school, a girls’ boarding school, is said to charge parents £37,000 a year per pupil.

The Frayn text had been included on the exam’s syllabus the previous year.

A statement issued by the school’s head Olivera Raraty said:

“One of the texts taught was incorrect. The problem was identified immediately, and we are now working with the exam board, so that no girl should be disadvantaged by this.

“A full internal investigation is under way and we are unable to provide further comment at this time. We apologise wholeheartedly.”

On the Worcester News website, Wylds Rover said: “For £37k a year you would expect perfection, not incompetence.”

TS Eliotfeet said: “That’s why you shouldn’t waste your money on private schools. Yes, they have better facilities and resources, but a significant proportion of the teachers do not have QTS and do not provide an education of a standard that merits the fees.”