Students still awaiting their BTec results say they are losing spots as the race for spots heats up with the vacating.
New figures show a record number of school leavers are looking for a place at college after failing to meet their target grades.
BTec students, who were due to receive their results last Thursday, say the delays are threatening their future plans.
“I feel like we’re almost being penalized because our results were published later,” says Charlotte Howard.
The 19-year-old was “completely discouraged” when she was unable to get a seat due to the eviction.
Usually, the process gives students who do not get the required grades the opportunity to transfer to another course.
Many pursuing a BTec – a career alternative to high school – were due to receive their results from the Pearson Examination Board last Thursday.
Charlotte had to wait until Monday afternoon for hers – but she didn’t get her first-choice university grades.
When her results came in so late, she found out that she had missed a spot to get onto the pediatric nursing course she wanted.
“I have to think about a career change.
“Or I’ll have to see if I’ll take a gap year to try and get the grades I need,” she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat.
New figures show the number of UK-based students in clearing remains at a record high five days after the results were released.
As of Tuesday, a total of 43,590 had been marked as “free for clearing” on the UCAS website.
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Charlotte feels Pearson should have done more to ensure results were delivered on time.
“Or at least pointed out to the universities that it’s not our fault,” she added.
Examinations regulator Ofqual has confirmed that they will investigate the cause of the delays.
A spokesperson told Newsbeat that awards organizations like Pearson are “making good progress” as they work through the remaining results.
“While our first priority is for students to expect results this year, it is obviously important that we review what has happened to ensure that students are getting results when they expect them in the years to come so that they advance in their education, training or employment,” they added.
UCAS executive director Clare Marchant said there were “still thousands of courses available in clearing.”
“Many universities and colleges hold open houses where you have the opportunity to explore them. You can learn more by visiting their websites.”
In an update on their website, Pearson said they were “continuing to work around the clock” to bring results to students.
It said they had released around 200,000 results by results day last week and 1,950 BTec results had been sent to UCAS since Thursday.
However, no information was given about the number of results that have not yet been made available to students.
Regarding the delays this year, the Audit Committee said “Covid has certainly complicated things” and cited the need for “other information” as another reason for the delay.
“Without all the data we need, we can’t give an overall score.”
For Charlotte, anything that’s happened around results is “the worst feeling in the world.”
“All my friends were getting ready to go out and party and I had nothing to celebrate.”
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