University clearing web site crashes

EAGER STUDENTS have been denied access to information about their higher education after a failure at the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) web site.

A Level results come out today, so perhaps it is wise to stay out of bars that favour a younger clientele, but many teens and their parents will be sitting at home wondering whether to crack open a bottle of champagne or put the kettle on for a nice relaxing cup of tea as they wait to find out whether they have a place at Cambridge, for example.

Results started coming out at 8am and almost in a parody of how well public sector web sites work, the UCAS web site soon popped outside for a cigarette.

"We apologise for any inconvenience. All other UCAS websites, including the Clearing vacancy service search function are still available," said UCAS in a statement. "Importantly for applicants, the ability to choose a Clearing place will not be impacted, and this function will open late afternoon as planned."

It seems to have settled down now as even ex-A Level students will have been able to drag themselves out of bed and down the pub by now. However, UCAS is still batting away concerns from students with a stock answer.

"Hi - although UCAS Track has been restored, we are still experiencing very high volumes of traffic so access may be..." We assume that students are expected to fill in the rest themselves. µ