A straight A-grade Bradford student’s dream of becoming a doctor has been shattered after he lost his place at a prestigious medical school because of a ‘spent’ criminal conviction.

The decision by Imperial College London to withdraw the place offered to Majid Ahmed, 18, of Little Horton, was today condemned as discriminatory by MPs, teachers and youth justice charities.

“They will not give me a chance,” said Majid, who has lost an appeal against the decision made by admissions officers because he was convicted of a burglary aged 16.

“It is social discrimination. They do not understand the struggles I have come through and they are not looking at all the good work I have done.

“The trouble I got in to was totally out-of-character and not the real me at all. I was only 16 at the time and it was the beginning of my parents’ separation. I had moved schools and was having trouble fitting in and got involved with the wrong crowd.

“I was walking down the street and saw some lads who invited me in to a house. I went in with the impression they had the right to be there but in a couple of minutes I was arrested.

“I did plead my innocence but in the end my only way out was to plead guilty because I did not want to drag my single mum through the courts and bring shame on the family – it was very embarrassing for them and I wanted to get out of the scenario as soon as possible.”

Majid was convicted in 2005 and ordered to serve a four-month referral order for community service. “I thought it was over and I could move on and learn from the experience and make good of my life but it has popped back up and I cannot achieve my dream of studying medicine,” said Majid, who in the same year as his conviction achieved the best GSCE results seen at Buttershaw High School.

Majid applied for a place to study medicine at Imperial College in 2006, declaring the conviction, while he was studying A-levels at Dixons City Academy.

The college offered him a conditional place in 2007 and when he achieved As in A-level biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics that place was seemed secure.

However, the college carried out a standard Criminal Records Bureau check and called him for a further interview. Despite the conviction being ‘spent’ the college decided to withdraw the offer.

Majid appealed, presenting evidence from his teachers, doctors at a medical practice in Little Horton Lane where he did work experience and from agencies where he had volunteered.

A letter of support was also sent from Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust, which said Majid’s Bangladeshi background and skills could be well used in the Bradford district.

But the college rejected the appeal.

Bradford North Labour MP Terry Rooney, who knows Majid well, said: “I think it is an absolute tragedy that for a one-off, minor mistake at the age of 16 he is going to be punished for the rest of his life.

“It is grossly unfair and there is no redress for him other than spending thousands of pounds going through the courts with no guarantee of success.

“He is just the sort of person we need as a GP and I feel desperately sorry for him.”

Paul Cavadino, chief executive of Nacro, the criminal rehabilitation charity, said: “This is an appalling way to treat a young man with the potential to become an able and dedicated member of the medical profession.

“It reflects badly on our society that we put all kinds of obstacles in the way of people who are trying to put their past behind them and make something positive of their lives.”

An Imperial College spokesman said: “Imperial College complies fully with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Code of Practice and does not unfairly discriminate against any applicant on the basis of a conviction.

“Medical practitioners hold a position of responsibility within society, and must often deal with vulnerable people and sensitive situations. The public must have confidence in the integrity and probity of its doctors.

“As a condition of acceptance to its medical degree courses, and in common with all UK medical schools, all applicants are required to have completed an enhanced criminal record disclosure. This is required before the course begins because students come into clinical contact with patients and vulnerable people from the very beginning.

“Applicants are required to declare all convictions, whether spent or unspent.”