AN investigation has found no evidence that a Royal Agricultural University (RAU) student had access to an exam paper before the day of a test, the Standard can reveal.


The RAU launched the probe after allegations that a student was being given preferential treatment by a teacher and the person making the allegations contacted the Standard to say an upcoming exam had been ‘compromised’ as the student had prior knowledge of the questions.


University staff quickly launched an investigation into the claims and on advice from an external examiner, substituted the allegedly compromised paper for a new one.


A spokeswoman at the RAU said: “The Royal Agricultural University is committed to upholding the very highest levels of professionalism and integrity in its teaching and assessments, and takes the security of examinations papers very seriously.


“The university was made aware of the allegation and, in consultation with the external examiner, substituted the allegedly compromised paper.


“Following this incident, the University investigated further and the allegation remains anonymous and unsubstantiated. There is no evidence that the chain of custody of the examination questions was broken.”


The inquiry has now officially been closed.