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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Aletha Adu

Tories accused of failing BTEC students as dozens still waiting for results

The Tories have been accused of giving BTEC students a "second class service" as dozens are still waiting for their results.

A "small percentage" of students who completed vocational qualifications have been left in limbo after receiving blank results slips from their colleges.

Final results are needed to confirm university places. Students who completed other Level 3 qualifications like A-levels and T Levels have been able to access clearing in a last minute scramble to secure a university course.

Shadow Education Minister Toby Perkins fears BTEC students haven't been given this chance.

He told the Mirror: "The Tories are providing a second class service for people getting vocational qualifications, because they’re focused on fighting each other not delivering for Britain.

"Everyone deserves a level playing field and a fair chance, including through the clearing process.

Shadow Education Minister Toby Perkins said the Conservative Party is failing young people (Reading Titles)

"But thanks to this zombie government, young people due to their BTEC results are missing out on the opportunities that those who took A-levels can enjoy.

"Once again the Conservatives are failing on skills and failing our young people.”

He has written to Education Secretary James Cleverly urging him to “allay the fears of students and their families” and make a statement on the pressing matter.

The letter adds: "I am concerned that there is currently no timescale for the resolution of this matter and that there have been no statements from Ministers to allay the fears of students and their families, who are rightly concerned about the implications that such a delay could have on university places and other destinations.

Education Secretary James Cleverly (PA)

"Yesterday T Level students received their results but were told that there was a delay in receiving their certificates.

"Today BTEC students are left behind, while A Level students are able to claim clearing spots at Universities.

"This is not only disappointing for those students but could potentially see them miss out on spots at University which A Level students could claim.

"Students who pursue the vocational route are getting a second class service from your government. It isn’t good enough."

Some students are still waiting for their results (Stock photo) (Getty Images)

BTECS in engineering and health and social care are set to be scrapped across England despite widespread criticism.

Colleges have said BTECS opens doors for poorer students.

More than 50,000 UK-based students were in clearing, trying to get places on higher education courses a day after A-level exam results were released, figures show.

This year’s number is the highest since at least 2013, and compares with 39,230 in clearing at the same point last year.

Education Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: "I am aware that some students have not yet received their #BTEC results.

"I understand how distressing this is for those students and we have been working with the exam regulator Ofqual to make sure grades are awarded as quickly as possible."

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