But Glenn Smith, principal of Honiton Community College in Devon, told the BBC that teachers in his English department used "stringent" measures to ensure they were marking these assessments fairly and consistently.

BBC: GCSE English: Teachers' anger over generous marking claim

In a separate ruling, Ofcom also cleared ITV of unfair treatment following a complaint made by Ms Alexander's father, Glenn Smith, who joined his daughter on stage after she became upset by the judges' comments.

BBC: X factor

Confronted with the facts provided by the Waller, Smith, and Glenn courts-martial, and with the testimony of a dozen more soldier witnesses who had followed Riley, Administration officials, military officers, and pro-war journalists launched a vigorous campaign in defense of the Army and the war.

NEWYORKER: The Water Cure