A delay has led to some students in Oldham being left without results on results day.

Many students taking Cambridge Technicals, a vocational qualification offered by exam board OCR equivalent to an A-level, have been left without results.

Among them is Oldham Sixth Form College student Mohammed Abidul Islam, aged 19, who studied an art and design Cambridge Technical qualification – sometimes referred to as ‘Camtechs.’

Speaking to The Oldham Times on results day, Mohammed said: “We woke up today expecting our results and got an email saying that our Camtech results have been delayed and we should be getting them tomorrow.

“In the meantime, they’ve contacted a number of universities letting them know and the Universities are holding our places until they get confirmed results.

Hoping to study business and marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University, Mohammed added: “My place now just depends on the grades, I just need the grades.

“They said by the latest tomorrow. It’s made feel kind of anxious, I was expecting to get it now and just get it over and done with.”

Fellow student Aimee O’Brien studied English literature, drama, and extended project qualification A-levels alongside a performing arts Camtech.

The Oldham Times: Students Aimee O'Brien (left) and Evie BentleyStudents Aimee O'Brien (left) and Evie Bentley

Aimee, who is going on to study English literature and creative writing at the University of Salford, said: “I got an A in my EPQ, a B in drama and English, and I’m still waiting on my performing arts results because it’s a Camtech.

“It’s stressed me out a little bit, but I still know that I’ve got into the Uni I want so I’m not really too bothered about it – I’m pretty confident in that one. I’m expecting a distinction, so hopefully that’s what I’ll get.”

Student Cameron Turner studied computer science and electronics at A-Level, alongside a Camtech in Sport.

Cameron has achieved a D in both electronics and computer science, and is hoping to get a distinction star, the highest possible grade, in his Camtech – but hasn’t yet found out the result.

Cameron said: “I’ve just been offered my place in Portsmouth Uni where I’m going to study engineering with a foundation year in manufacturing.

The Oldham Times: Students Wiktoria Fabijanska (left) and Cameron TurnerStudents Wiktoria Fabijanska (left) and Cameron Turner

“I’m happy with the results a bit, but I’m just happy I got into Uni more – that’s all I was worried about.”

A UCAS spokesperson said: “Students may find they are awaiting their examination results for many reasons, and not all qualifications are awarded on JCQ results day. Universities are used to managing this in their processes, and we are working with awarding bodies to ensure all students can receive a decision on their application.

“The important thing is not to panic. UCAS advises that universities hold offers until September 7, so any student that has yet to receive their qualification results has time to meet this. Students are also free to start their Clearing research should they wish.

“If students have any questions about their application, UCAS is here to support you; go to ucas.com or speak to a UCAS adviser on the phone or social media.”

A spokesperson for OCR said: “While most results were delivered on time, we are sorry for a delay in issuing Cambridge Technicals for some students.

“In these exceptional cases, we are working with schools and colleges to deliver results as soon as possible and to keep UCAS informed where results are needed for university offers. We will provide regular updates to those affected. 

“We are doing everything we can to resolve this rapidly. We are grateful to students, schools and colleges for their patience, and we are sorry for any additional stress.”