STUDENTS at a Preston college are celebrating a mass upgrade of exam results.

Dozens of students at Cardinal Newman College, Lark Hill Road, have had their English A-level exam marks improved after lecturers queried the results last year.

Three papers were sent for re-marking, all of which were upgraded. A further sample was sent, chosen by the English staff, and 26 students were awarded higher grades than expected.

And although staff and students alike are delighted by the higher grades, it has come too late for some of the students who missed out on their first choice university courses. Several have had to repeat their final year at college.

Ian Haselden, manager of external links and admissions, said: "We are delighted that the results have been changed but it shouldn't have happened in the first place.

"We were surprised to see that some of the grades were only around the national average instead of the usual high ones we get, which are normally the best in Lancashire."

Northern Area Examination Board has written to the students affected to apologise. A spokesman said: "It is of great concern to us that the undervaluation by the examiners in this case was not detected."

Mr Haselden added: "It is very unusual for so many grades to be changed. Normally, individual students may appeal and pay for the re-mark themselves. But there was something clearly wrong from the outset here and that is why we are so pleased it has been corrected.

"Unfortunately, it is too late for some students who had to change their plans and go through clearing."

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