Bristol students may be thrown out if they breach privacy of Prime Minister's son

The university attended by Tony Blair's eldest son, Euan, has warned its students that they face being thrown off their courses if they divulge any information about him to the media.

Students and staff at Bristol University, where Euan started his ancient history degree this week, have been warned that the university will "act against anyone" who fails to respect his privacy.

In a statement to staff and students, Professor Eric Thomas, the university's vice-chancellor, said: "I have no wish to be heavy-handed, but it is only fair to make it clear that we will act against anyone who ignores an individual's right to privacy, particularly in respect of divulging personal and private information to external agencies such as the media.

"Such action could lead to serious disciplinary action for staff or termination of a course in the case of a student."

The statement, published in the university's newsletter, followed a similar warning given at St Andrew's University, where Prince William is a student.

This was judged by university officials to have successfully ensured that students were aware of the need to respect the privacy of their famous classmate without mentioning him by name

In the Bristol statement, Professor Thomas added: "We must remember that every student and member of staff has the right to get on with his or her life without unwarranted intrusion. This is both a moral and, potentially legal point."

Euan Blair accepted a place to study ancient history at Bristol University, where term started on Monday, after gaining As in his English literature and history A-levels and a C in French, as well as an A in general studies.

He had received a conditional offer from Trinity College, Oxford, but failed to get the necessary two As and a B in his main subjects.

There have been suggestions that Euan could be among the tens of thousands of students who will have their A-level grades reviewed because of this year's misgrading fiasco. French exams offered by all three English exam boards are to be regraded because of allegations of exam "fixing".

Bristol University boasted a record number of applications this year, receiving more than 39,000 applications for 3,300 places. More than 97 per cent of the successful applicants had put Bristol as their first-choice university.