An A-level student who had been due to retake her exams may have to wait another year to receive her desired grades.

Shreya Sheth, 19, a student at Parmiter’s School, planned to retake two exams to secure herself better grades to study medicine at university.

However on March 18, education secretary Gavin Williamson announced that schools would close until further notice, with GCSE and A-level exams cancelled in the summer term.

Ofqual guidelines released later on showed that A-level students would be issued their predicted grades - but this excludes private candidates like Miss Sheth.

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The guidance says that predicted grades can only count as a final grade if the centre has an "established relationship" with the student to provide evidence of their work - which Miss Sheth’s private tutor cannot do.

The 19-year-old could therefore miss out on yet another year of going to university.

Miss Sheth said: “It’s quite worrying to be not sure on what the situation is.

“My main focus this past year has been revising my two A-levels and getting better grades, so it was annoying to find out exams were cancelled.

“When they first announced it, I thought at least I would still be taken care of, but now it feels like all the work I have put in was for nothing.”

The student, who studied for hours each day to get into either her firm choice at the University of Manchester, or her insurance choice at the University of Southampton, is left in a limbo as Ofqual has not yet finalised its plans for exceptional students.

A consultation is currently collecting feedback from exceptional students to ensure a fair approach.

Her parents Chirag and Nisha Sheth, have been trying their best to resolve the overlooked issue.

Mr Sheth said: “The universities are really sympathetic, but they’re waiting for more Ofqual guidance.

“And then we go to Ofqual and UCAS and they recommend for us to contact the universities.

“What I want is for them to accept evidence from private tutors. Shreya changed a lot in the past year and has been working hard with her private tutor, they have all the evidence they need.

“The guidelines are a disadvantage to a particular set of students, it is grossly unfair for resit or home school students.”

In response, an AQA exam board adviser said: “We are hoping to be able to provide a grade to all candidates, but we can’t guarantee this will be possible.

“Once the consultation has been completed, we should have more information on the process and what will be available to any candidates whose centres are still unable to provide a grade.”

Miss Sheth's parents approached Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden, a former student at Parmiter’s School who is hoping to help resolve the situation.

Mr Dowden said: “I understand the difficult situation around private exam candidates, and I am keen to ensure that no child is penalised by this unprecedented health crisis.

“I have swiftly been in touch with the schools minister on Shreya’s behalf and will be monitoring this closely, including chasing the Department of Education - who I know are working hard to find solutions.”

If your child is affected by education changes during the coronavirus lockdown, let the government know by responding to its consultation before April 29 at 11.45pm.