AN A-level student was turned away in tears on results day because outstanding school fees had not been paid.

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, refused to let Thomas Cunningham of Brunshaw Road, Burnley, see his results.

His parents have an outstanding bill of £975.37 and are being drawn into legal proceedings with the school. They say they simply can not afford to pay.

Meanwhile, Tom is furious that his results in A-level economics, politics and classics can be considered as the school's property. The dispute could have put in jeopardy any plans to go to university in September.

"I went to school with my girlfriend yesterday and was told I could not have my results," said Tom.

"I am furious that it has come to this and I still can not believe they are within their rights. It is very lucky I am not going to university this time. I couldn't anyway, money is just too tight."

Tom insists his academic future should not depend on money. He is currently working at a call centre but said it would take him months to raise the money himself. Phil Lloyd, communications director for QEGS, said: "We are very sorry for Tom who seems to be caught up in the middle.

"But our contractual dispute is with his parents and the situation in terms of settling the outstanding debt has not been resolved and as such the case can not move forward."

Tom's parents Tom and Joy, who have paid some £70,000 in fees since he joined the junior school in 1993, are furious that the outstanding bill for the trinity term could have put a university place in jeopardy.

They received a letter from the West Park Road school saying they would "consider retaining any exam data" and referring the matter to the school's solicitors.

Joy, who has put three children through private education at a cost of £21,000 a year, said: "We are a working-class family who just tried to do the best for our children."