James Stevens was meant to get his results on Thursday (August 13) – but he still hasn’t received them four days later (August 17). Now the 18-year-old’s university place is at stake and opportunities are vanishing fast. The East Sussex College student said, “I have been on the phone most mornings, all the time trying to find out what’s going on. “If I don’t get the grades clearing spaces are going like that. It’s ridiculous really. It’s a joke.” On results day James was told by examination board NCFE that it could take an extra two days for him to receive his results. But they still haven’t arrived. He has an offer to study sports coaching at his preferred university at Oxford Brookes, but, if he does not get the required grades, the best clearing spaces are going fast. His whole class has been affected by the delay, James says. James’ mother Sonia said, “We are having an absolute nightmare. How many kids has this affected? “My son was quite distressed to start with but he’s calmed down a little now. It’s affected all their mental health. “I can’t believe they have been allowed to do this.” Almost 40 per cent of A Level results in England have been downgraded - here’s why A spokesperson for East Sussex College said on Friday (August 14), “We are aware there is an issue with a small number of qualifications from the awarding body NCFE and we are working to resolve these as quickly as we can. “Our teachers and managers contacted all affected students on Thursday (August 13) and we have provided them all with their Teacher Assessment Grades to support their progression to university. “In addition we have also reached out to this student on Friday (August 14) to support him with his preferred university to ensure that his place is safe.” If any East Sussex College students who received their results on Thursday are concerned about their places at university, the college says they can call 030 300 39699 for support. A spokesperson for NCFE said, “NCFE is working intensively with colleges to finalise awards and grades for students who have not yet received their results. “To do that, we are resolving a technical process issue which has arisen in a several instances across the further education sector as colleges and awarding organisations work together to manage the awarding and grading of qualifications under the extraordinary regulatory framework which Ofqual implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic. “For the avoidance of doubt, the issue relates to the administration of awards and grades – rather than to decisions over what grades should be awarded. “We expect to confirm results very early next week. “In the meantime we are also working with UCAS and individual universities to help them make sound admissions decisions which supports students’ progression into higher education programmes consistent with their attainment.” This is how to appeal your GCSE and A Level results A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.