Joy for some- but more delay for others, as Lancashire's pupils collect their GCSEs

In the wake of last week's turmoil over the way the A Level grades were originally awarded, and the subsequent change of plan to allow teacher assessments for GCSEs, colleges are bracing themselves for a deluge of applicants.

The results handed out today have been calculated on a rigorous formula which includes a mixture of assessment work over the course of the last two years as well as mocks exam results and teacher assessment.

Some grade inflation is expected.

Btec students will have to wait for their results and the body Pearson with runs Btecs, announced late yesterday that in view of the U-turn over the way GCSEs have been assessed those results should also be reviewed

Many of these vocational subjects are based on continuous assessment as well as practical work but carry results equivalent to GCSE levels and are needed for colleges courses - leaving thousands of youngsters in limbo for at least another week,

A range of vocational results, such as Level 1 and 2 Btecs, were due to be published today along with GCSEs. Level 3 BTec results were issued last week.

A spokesman for the National Education Union said: " To add to the GCSE and A level fiasco, the decision by Pearson not to issue Btec results at the 11th hour compounds the upsetting and chaotic experience for students. Government must put an end to this incompetence and work quickly to ensure every young person gets the grades they deserve to move onto the next stages of their lives.

"Serious questions remain as to what will happen next year and beyond."

Lancashire's colleges say they will try to be flexible in order to accommodate all students who need or want a place. If students don't have a confirmed place, staff will be able to advise on the most suitable course in a wide range of subjects.