PUPILS at some York secondary schools affected by "inconsistent" test marks are being put back on track.

Up to seven schools are thought to have sent English papers back amid fears that youngsters had been under-marked.

Now the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has apologised to at least two schools for "sub-standard" marking.

City education bosses believe that over the next fortnight, all Year Nine pupils will learn where they stand with their key stage three English result.

Patrick Scott, City of York Council's director of education, said the long-term effect of the disruption on pupils would be minimal.

But he admitted that some pupils would have started the new school term "disappointed", believing that they had underachieved.

He said: "There will be some individual pupils who will have been really disappointed by not getting a level five (a pass).

"Getting the result right will reverse that process and show they can do it and give them a boost."

The key stage three English test is the final key stage test, and is taken by 14-year-olds. It helps teachers measure whether pupils are on track for GCSE and A-level success.

The QCA has apologised to students and staff at Joseph Rowntree School and

Manor School after as many as 25 per cent of papers were found to have been under-marked.

Updated: 15:28 Thursday, October 07, 2004