A school has issued an 'unreserved apology' after asking pupils to nominate their best-looking classmates.

The questions were contained in a form handed out to students at Hugh Christie school in Tonbridge for use in an end-of-year celebration for Year Nine pupils.

But many parents reacted with horror, saying it could encourage bullying and harm impressionable youngsters' self-image.

School under fire for asking pupils to name best-looking classmate

The questions sparked a huge backlash on social media.

Chelsea Groome tweeted: "That’s horrendous! What about a category for most inspiring, kindest or most caring? Awards that celebrate the good in kids rather than reinforcing superficial values? Shame on the school!"

Brenda Vaughan added: "This is outrageous! Just don’t understand what they hope to achieve."

Nadia Iv added: "So instead of trying to bring kids together and teaching them that everyone is beautiful and promoting unity and acceptance, they want to make kids feel insecure?"

Others said the question was highly inappropriate given the age of the children.

Emily Walsh said: "Best couple?! They’re 13/14!! How weird!"

Other questions included biggest poser, best couple and biggest ego.

The school, whose former pupils include Dame Kelly Holmes and Isaac Holman from rock band Slaves, has now issued a statement apologising unreservedly for the question.

It said: "We will inform students to disregard the form. The member of staff responsible has been spoken to. We totally agree this was inappropriate and apologise unreservedly for any offence caused to our students and parents."

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