Three teachers are to be charged under the Official Secrets Act following the leaking of a number of 1997 school-leaving examination papers. They face jail sentences of up to seven years if convicted The leak of papers in Malay, science, mathematics and history was originally reported by four 17-year-old boys who lodged police reports in December, shortly after sitting the examinations.

In the weeks that followed they were questioned by police, threatened by angry students and ridiculed by their friends.The Ministry of Education denied the leak, apparently to reassure students and parents that no resits would be necessary.

However, following allegations that the leaked papers were sold for up to Pounds 750 a time, the teachers will be tried later this month. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Martin Spice