So pupils sitting a GCSE music exam found some of the answers printed on the back of the paper.

Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) have blamed a "printing error". This seems harsh on printers. The words "proof" and "reader" spring to mind.

OCR went on to say that "pupils will not be disadvantaged by the error". Quite the contrary, I'd have thought. Apparently, hundreds of pupils noticed the error. Worryingly, hundreds more did not.

This offers examiners an easy marking solution - those who noticed, pass, those who didn't, don't.

Reassuringly, OCR are "putting procedures in place to identify the effect, if any, this had on candidates".

The "effect, if any, this had on candidates" was observed during the examination, as hundreds of children spontaneously punched the air, whispering "Yesss!" and "All-riiight!"

Schools and exam boards are under great pressure to meet the Government's desired year-on-year improvement in GCSE results.

(For similar reasons, the London 2012 Olympic committee has decided to dispense with the winning tape and confer a gold medal on all runners who take part).

Last week's accidental boost to the 2008 GCSE results suggests further examining options to keep the Department of Education happy.

From 2009, ALL the answers will be printed on the back of the papers, but upside-down, like in a newspaper quiz.

In 2010, your entire GCSE in each subject will be decided on one simple multiple-choice question.

The question will be broadcast on TV just after 'Pets Win Prizes' and you can phone in your answer on a premium-rate number.

I'm reliably informed that the question for the 2010 music GCSE will be: Who composed The Rhinegold?

1. Lindsay Wagner 2. Robert Wagner 3. Richard Wagner (Hint: not Lindsay or Robert)

RICHARD HEACOCK

Manor Farm Cottages,Baulking,Faringdon