A computer programming error may have caused an exams blunder affecting 1,000 candidates in Scotland, it has emerged.

The body which processes university applications has written to the affected students apologising for the mistake.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) said it now believes a glitch got into the system when it reprogrammed its computers ahead of this year's results.

The error came to light on Tuesday as Scottish pupils saw their exam results successfully delivered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

However, about 1,000 students who narrowly failed Higher or Advanced Higher exams were given better grades than they had actually earned.

The incorrect data was then sent to universities and colleges so they could decide which candidates to reject or accept.

Ucas sent out the corrected data on Tuesday night.

Three Scottish universities have confirmed that they will honour all the places offered in error.

However, other institutions say they are considering applications on a case-by-case basis.

Correct information

Ucas has also written a letter of apology to those who received letters based on incorrect results.

"The clearing process in Scotland has not been affected and clearing will begin as scheduled in the rest of the UK from tomorrow," said chief executive Tony Higgins on Wednesday.

"Our first priority was to take action to ensure that SQA candidates and universities and colleges had accurate and correct information.

BBC

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