On the morning of Thursday 12 June, it became apparent that the Social Inequality and Difference A2 examination paper contained one question that was identical to a question from the same paper in January 2008.

OCR regrets this incident and apologises unreservedly to centres, candidates and parents. We are investigating the cause of the incident and will take steps to prevent a recurrence.

In the interest of fairness to all candidates, the decision was taken to let all candidates proceed with the examination as normal. OCR has contacted all the centres involved by telephone and candidates were able to complete the paper as normal.

OCR wishes to reassure centres, candidates and parents that no candidate will be disadvantaged as a result of this incident. All examination scripts will be marked as normal and examiners will be instructed to report on the examination in detail. OCR will review the marks of all candidates for this unit when grades are awarded to ensure all candidates are treated fairly.

In addition, we have invited the Qualification and Curriculum Authority to attend the grade award meeting for this unit so that they can satisfy themselves that relevant and appropriate action has been taken over and above the usual awarding procedures.

There is no requirement for centres to apply for special consideration in respect of this incident.

We do appreciate the anxiety that this has caused and we reassure you that OCR is devoting significant resources to ensure that the interests of candidates are protected.

Some 56 centres had some candidates that could have seen the previous paper. This could amount to as many as 99 candidates, all of whom will be registered with OCR.