Students will get a special provision to allow them to maintain their grades despite a disruption to their studies.

Those studying at the University of Kent – which has campuses in Medway and Canterbury – will benefit from a "no detriment" policy where they cannot achieve lower than their current average grade.

The university wrote to students yesterday to inform them of the changes, which they said will "safeguard the contribution of your academic performance in the outcome of your studies for this academic year".

It comes after more than 2,700 students signed an e-petition asking the university's vice-chancellor Karen Cox for a change in the way these exams are marked.

The joint letter – from the university's interim director of student services, professor Christina Hughes, and the president of Kent Union, Sasha Langevelt – said: "We know you have all been affected in different ways and the circumstances you find yourselves in will vary from person to person.

"Our approach will hopefully give you comfort in knowing that under the no detriment policy, your final average overall mark for the stage will not be impacted adversely as a consequence of the current conditions caused by Covid-19."

However, those taking professionally-recognised programmes may not benefit from the 'safety net' policy.

Students are expected to receive more information by Wednesday, April 8.

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