A QUARTER of students will under-perform in this summer's exams because of hay fever, according to a world-first study based in Worcester.

The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) at University College Worcester checked links between the condition and academic performance and found grades were hit.

In Worcester, one in two of those who sat an exam on a day with a medium or high pollen count produced their worst performance of the summer. A total of 1,308 students' results were studied - 500 from UCW alongside others from Cambridge, Napier University, in Edinburgh, and London Metropolitan University.

"We worked out the average performance, then noted below average performances and the lowest performance for each student," said Professor Jean Emberlin, head of NPARU and study leader. There was a very strong correlation with high pollen counts."

The brightest students showed the greatest tendency for under-performance when there was a high pollen count.

In Worcester, the study found 'a lot' of examinees achieved markedly poorer results in summer 2004 than in tests the previous winter.

"In the short term, I hope this will raise awareness so that students don't just say 'I have got a bit of hay fever' but realise it can affect their exams and do something about it, like going to their GP," continued Prof Emberlin.

"In the future I'm trying to shift the emphasis from summer to winter exams and allowing students to work over a longer period."

Nationally, around 20 per cent of people suffer from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.

Pollen counts have been increasing year on year and it is estimated that 1.8 million Britons take time off work because of hay fever.

University students are invited to have their say in a poll about summer exam timetables, as well as receive regular pollen updates, by logging on to www.allergyadvice.co.uk

Turned up to the wrong exam? Learnt the wrong syllabus? Tell us about your exam nightmares by e-mailing: dk@thisisworcester.co.uk