Thousands trying to upload GCSE results panic as uni applications link times out

24 August 2023 , 13:03

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Applicaa, which is used by more than 1000 schools, says it is working "super hard" to resolve the issue (file photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Pupils are desperately trying to enrol to colleges and sixth forms today after receiving their GCSE grades, but have been left in turmoil as the application link keeps timing out.

Applicaa, which is used by more than 1000 schools, says it is working "super hard" to resolve the issue after users struggled to get onto the system to upload their exam results. The company has put the delays down to high usage.

Michelle Linaker says her son has received a conditional offer for his sixth form, and was told to log onto the website at 9am to be assessed between 11am and 2pm. Despite following these instructions, he is still waiting in a queue and struggling to access the system while the deadline looms closer.

The website is repeatedly giving a 504 Gateway Timeout Error, which indicates an issue with the web server. Michelle told the Mirror: "It's honestly just such a nightmare.

"Some sixth forms you go in person to enrol, but with the majority you don't. Surely it's going to affect all of them as they have a timetable for clearance, which will have just gone out of the window.

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"There must be a lot of people like us who are currently sat there like going 'what the hell'. Others could be blaming themselves and thinking they're doing something wrong.

"The only reason I've realised it's definitely not just me is because my friend and his child have been trying to do it as well, and they've had exactly the same issue. It's just really awful and such a stress."

Applicaa has apologised for the delays, saying: "We're incredibly sorry for the system running slowly on the most important day of the year for sixth forms across the country. Our team are working super hard to increase the power."

It added: "We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Our dedicated team is putting in their best effort to enhance the system's performance. Thank you for your continued support!"

A company spokesman confirmed that there was a delay on the site this morning, and said the issue has now been resolved. He added: "Obviously parents are concerned and we totally understand that it's frustrating for them.

"Our systems are open for enrolment as long as needed. Unfortunately schools and sixth forms are probably going to have to extend any deadlines so we can get everybody onto the system.

"There was high usage which prevented people from accessing the site of enrolment, and they should be able to do that now. If they refresh their screens then they might well see a message with a timer, and that will hopefully give some more information too."

Katie Weston