A SHOCKED Sixth-Form College student was badly beaten-up by a gang of youths moments before he was due to sit an exam.

Nicholas Markham (17), of Royton, was outside the college when he was approached by 10 Asian men at around 1.20pm on Thursday.

The teenager, who was with his three friends, was about to enter the college on Union Street West to sit his PE exam when one of the thugs shouted abuse at him.

Six members of the gang then jumped on him from behind, kicking and punching him, causing severe bleeding to his left cheek and mouth.

The victim’s mother Lindsey (34) said: “My son was taken to A&E in case there were any fractures to his face. He was assaulted so badly the bleeding wouldn’t stop.

“He didn’t sit his exam in the end but the college were happy to let him resit.”

Speaking of the attack, she said: “This was a totally unprovoked assault as Nicholas has never been in trouble before.

“He is shocked by what has happened and is learning to deal with it. The police are also involved.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating after a 17-year-old boy was assaulted outside Oldham Sixth Form College on Thursday.

“Inquiries are continuing. At this stage there is nothing to suggest the assault was racially motivated.”