Some students are still waiting to receive their Btec results - casting uncertainty over their future. The grades - which are needed to confirm university places and next steps - were due to be released last Thursday (August 18) alongside other results like A-levels, but an unknown number of students are yet to get theirs.
Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body, said in a statement yesterday (August 22): "We are very sorry that some of you are still waiting for your Btec National results. We awarded hundreds more results over the weekend and will continue to work around the clock with schools and colleges to obtain and validate any outstanding information."
Independent Education Today reported that Pearson insisted only a "very small percentage" of its Btec students was affected. But the company was unable to confirm when the wait for grades would end, saying only: "We will continue to issue results during the days ahead as new information becomes available to us."
Ucas, the university and college admissions service, is advising that anyone still waiting for their Btec grades should contact their university of choice directly and ask them to hold their place. Ofqual, the exam regulator, said it had "every sympathy" with the students.
"We continue to liaise, on a daily basis, with school and college associations and met this afternoon with college leaders," Ofqual added. "We have also engaged with the representatives of exams officers.
"Our first priority is those students expecting results this year, but it is important that we review what has happened to make sure that students in future years receive results when they expect them."
National Union of Students' vice-president for further education, Bernie Savage, described the situation as "absolutely unacceptable" and added that affected students had been "let down and could miss out on a place at college or university through no fault of their own".
She added: "All stakeholders, including exam boards, Ofqual and education providers, need to act now to ensure these students get their results as soon as possible, and that they can still pursue their preferred option if they get the required grades."
