More than 70 parents spoke out on social mediaAn investigation has been launched after pupils at a Coventry secondary school claimed a new classmate looked like an adult man.
The Home Office has confirmed it is urgently looking into the situation.
A spokesman said: “Our asylum system is broken and in drastic need of reform. We will seek to stop abuse of the system while ensuring it is compassionate towards those who need our help, welcoming people through safe and legal routes.”
Parents have been assured that the correct checks had been carried out after their concerns were raised.
A letter was sent out to parents after a picture of the student – who had enrolled for the first time in an upper school year group – was posted on social media.
The post saw more than 70 parents respond, with many saying they intended to take the matter further. One parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “Pupils were coming home saying there’s a man in our class, some were even saying they reckoned he could be aged up to 40.
“He has a thin hair line and apparently he has no birth certificate or passport.
“He might be the right age, he might not. Either way parents would like some clarity.”
The pupil is thought to have travelled to the UK without documentation before being placed at the school in Coventry, which CoventryLive is not naming.
In a letter to parents, Coventry City Council said all necessary procedures had been followed in checking the age of the new starter.
