CONGRATULATIONS to all our hard-working students who picked up GCSE results.

We hope they go on to fulfil their ambitions.

Among the fantastic results were some truly-inspirational stories of young people triumphing over adversity.

But a question mark hangs over the English results, with schools asking for papers to be remarked and an investigation.

Clearly, marking must be robust.

However, many headteachers think there is an issue and are prepared to challenge.

The exam boards are sticking to their guns.

Only time will tell if there has been a problem but the whole issue must be investigated thoroughly and quickly.

No student wants this hanging over their head and for some it will have a direct impact on their future.

English grades are critical to college, university and job applications.

They have worked hard for these exams and now they deserve an answer. Schools, exam boards and the Department for Education, your time starts now.