An investigation was launched after images of an A-level maths exam emerged online

An investigation has been launched after images of an A-level maths exam were shared online.

Images of an Edexcel paper emerged just before students took the exam on Friday.

Edexcel’s parent company, Pearson, said it had taken action to determine the source of the leak.

“After visiting a small group of centers as part of the investigation, we identified one center that committed serious violations of proper practices,” the company said.

“We are committed to identifying the individual involved and holding them accountable.”

Pearson said it was aware that images of the work “were only distributed on a very limited basis shortly before the review”.

It added: “All students should be reassured that we have established processes in place to ensure that no one is disadvantaged or disadvantaged and that this work does not need to be repeated.”

Similar leaks occurred in both 2017 and 2018, when A-level maths papers were posted online ahead of exams.

Police investigated the leaks and the evidence was handed over to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether criminal charges should be laid.

Pearson announced earlier this year that it would launch a pilot project that would insert microchips into exam packets to track the date, time and location of the packets.