Two men arrested on suspicion on theft over A-level exam paper leak

It comes after Edexcel was forced to replace another maths test just days before pupils were due to sit it

Pupils sit their A-level exams (PA)

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft over the leak of an A-level maths paper.

Images of two questions from an Edexcel A-level maths paper were circulated on social media the day before thousands of students sat the exam earlier this month.

Pearson, the company that owns Edexcel, said it has been informed by the police that both individuals have been detained for questioning following a “serious security breach”.

Two men, aged 32 and 29, were held on suspicion of theft on Monday, but have since been released under investigation, the Metropolitan Police has said.

It is the third year in a row that questions from the exam board’s maths A-level paper have been leaked before the exam.

Last week, the exam board was forced to replace another maths A-level paper, which was due to be sat by 7,000 students just a few days later, in the wake of the leak.

Sharon Hague, senior vice-president at Pearson, said: “We understand students are rightfully concerned and want a fair playing field.

“The actions we have taken to strengthen our security processes has enabled us, in conjunction with the police, to quickly identify those who we believe were involved in the breach and to take swift and immediate action.”

She added: “We are systematically working through all leads and, as we continue to investigate the suspects, this will enable us to further hone in on anyone that has gained an advantage, and take action accordingly.

“Our key priority is ensuring no students are disadvantaged in any way.”

It came after similar leaks in 2017 and 2018 when Edexcel maths A-level papers were put up online ahead of the tests being sat.

Additional reporting by PA