Government is to investigate after some disappointed pupils were told they could not graduate from school just hours before the ceremony yesterday.

Acting Education Minister Nelson Bascome said last night that he had called for an inquiry to find out how many parents had complained that they were told their children could not graduate from CedarBridge Academy as late as Monday.

The Royal Gazette has received two complaints from parents who said they had been called by the school at the last minute to say their children should not turn up.

They both said they and their children had been led to believe since April that they had qualified to leave the school with honours and had bought the traditional cap and gowns.

Each said they had taken time off work and had planned celebrations to mark the proud moment, and said the whole family, but particularly the students, had felt total disappointment.

Nadiyah Shakir claimed she was told at 3 p.m. on Monday that her son Tariq could not graduate because he was missing one credit for receiving a low mark on a work experience essay.

She said he had been led to believe since April that he would graduate and was even told on Monday morning at the school that enquiries had been made and he could join his classmates.

She involved Mr. Bascome in her battle to see her son graduate, but it was to no avail.

He was told to go to National Stadium yesterday, but was then told his name would not be called as a graduating student.

But when the final name of the students had been read, Tariq decided to graduate himself.

He went onto the podium and shouted his own name to cheering and applause from the crowd.

Mrs Shakir said: "I want to know why they only called on Monday afternoon to tell me that Tariq could not graduate.'' Tariq said: "I can't believe this has happened. I am supposed to be going to Bermuda College to do computers, I don't know if I will be able to now.'' One mother called the Gazette yesterday to say she received a call from the school at 7 p.m. on Monday to say her son had graduated but was not able to attend the ceremony because his attendance at school was not what it should have been.

But she claimed she was never told her son had a truancy problem and they should never have been led to believe he could attend the ceremony. Principal of the school Kalmar Richards has failed to return numerous calls made by the Gazette during the last two days.

But last night Mr. Bascome, who was only aware of one complaint, said he wanted answers.

He added: "I don't agree with the late hour that these parents were informed.

I have spoken to the Permanent Education Secretary and asked her to investigate what happened in the case of Tariq Shakir. I have asked her to investigate the number of complaints made about the way the graduation was handled.''