THOUSANDS of students are receiving their hotly-anticipated BTEC results this week.

       But the way the qualifications are graded can be a little confusing.

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       Three friends pose with their grades at Peter Symonds College in Winchester, Hampshire Credit: PA What do BTEC results mean?

       BTEC qualifications are usually graded from a pass (P) up to a distinction* (D*).

       Each mark is equivalent to a letter grade at A-Level and a certain number of UCAS points.

       Distinction* is the highest grade you can achieve, which indicates outstanding performance and is similar to an 8+ at GCSE level and an A* at A-Level.

       Below that is a distinction (an A), merit (a C), and a pass (E).

       BTEC results

       Distinction* (D*) – equivalent to an A* at A-level and 56 UCAS points Distinction (D) – equivalent to an A and 48 UCAS points Merit (M) – equivalent to a C and 32 UCAS points Pass (P) – equivalent to an E and 16 UCAS points Near pass (N) – not available for all courses Unclassified (U) - fail

       Depending on the size, length and level of the course, students may receive one, two or three grades on their final results day.

       Pupils studying for a certificate, extended certificate and foundation diploma receive one grade, while those awaiting diploma results will get two.

       Extended diploma students receive three.

       Normally, students are given points for each unit they complete as part of their course.

       These add up throughout the year, so students usually have a pretty good idea of how they're doing as summer approaches.

       Once the BTEC is complete, all unit grades and converted into a points score, which then creates your overall grade.

       Final results are released just like A-Level and GCSE grades.

       This is the case whether it is a BTEC First (entry level to Level 2), BTEC National (Level 3 - similar to A-Levels), and BTEC Apprenticeships (Level 2 to 5).

       BTEC students can get into university much like those studying for A-Levels

       Due to education being so disrupted during the pandemic, many qualifications have been graded by teachers instead of exams or practical assessments.

       This has been the case for many vocational courses as well.

       Teachers were told to assess coursework, internal assessments and mock exams into consideration when determining final marks.

       However, exam's regulator Ofqual and the Department for Education announced earlier this year that some students could only be fairly assessed through practical exams.

       These results were therefore assessed in the normal way.

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       Can I appeal my BTEC result?

       All results can be appealed, whether they are A-Levels or BTECs.

       Students need to contact their schools to do so.

       If exams played a role, there will be the opportunity to resit these in the autumn, as well as internal assessments.

       For all students, regardless of their course type, priority will be given to those whose grades greatly impact their chances of further education or training.

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       A students celebrates his results at Brampton Manor Academy in London Credit: PA

       Nervous students open their A-level and final exam results on live TV