University admission chaos for Scottish students

Scotland's examination system was thrown into turmoil for the second time in three years yesterday after Highers students were incorrectly awarded points entitling them to a university place.

Information supplied by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) was wrongly interpreted by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas). The Ucas clearing system was immediately suspended and universities across the UK were notified of the problem, which stemmed from up to 5,000 students being awarded a "fall back" mark if they obtained a borderline 48 per cent or 49 per cent, rather than being failed.

But Ucas staff incorrectly classified such grades as a C grade pass and gave additional points in pupils' applications to universities. The error was revealed as Highers results were delivered to homes across the country.

Two years ago, thousands of students received incorrect or late exam results, depriving many of the chance to go to university. But Cathy Jamieson, Scotland's Education Minister, was quick yesterday to distance the Scottish Executive from the latest problems.

"The SQA passed correct information to Ucas," said Ms Jamieson, who has already ordered a separate inquiry to find out why there was a fall of 2.2 points this year in the number of candidates passing Higher exams, the equivalent of A-levels in England and Wales.

"It appears Ucas has misinterpreted some data and gave erroneous information to some universities," she said. "It has been asked to rectify this very quickly."

Michael Russell, the Scottish National Party's education spokesman, said: "It is unforgivable for a body handling such sensitive and important information to make a mistake which will create great insecurity and worry for so many of Scotland's young people. Ucas is playing fast and loose with the future of a generation of Scotland's senior school pupils."

A spokesman for the SQA stressed that the exams authority was not responsible. "We understand that Ucas have incorrectly interpreted the data," he said. Ucas launched an internal investigation. "We are aware that there is a problem and are doing all we can to rectify it as quickly as possible," a spokesman said.