Redbridge Council is defending “strict” rules in place for 11 Plus exams after a boy was refused because the back of a photo was not signed.

Abbas Zain was hoping to take the test for a place at Ilford County High School in Fremantle Road, Barkingside, which has one of the best university admissions rates in the country.

But he was not allowed to sit the exam because the back of a photograph used to check his identity was not signed.

His headteacher from Mayville Primary School, in Leyton, called the council to confirm details but he was still refused.

Cousin Bilal Sheikh said his parents had been preparing him for the exam for two years.

He added: “It’s not the child’s mistake – why should he be getting punished?”

A council spokesman said rules are in place to ensure parents do not send another child to sit the exam in the hope of getting better results.

He added: “Ensuring that the correct child takes the test is of vital importance, not least to maintain confidence in the test among other parents and pupils.”