Half the candidates who took part in the Spring 2002 National Certificate Examination passed - but this means that half also failed.

The examiners' reports, below, show common problem areas as well as simple mistakes which caught the candidates out.

For instance - the Newspaper Practice paper's 56 per cent pass rate - the highest since September 1999 - is deceptive, being a figure inflated by a large number of borderline candidates awarded their NCE because good marks in other sections have boosted their average to an acceptable pass level.

There were problems with copying - with one paper seeing Rodford House renamed Rodman, Radford, Rodwell, Redford and Romford. Disappointing, say the examiners, as it appeared in the written brief.

Only one candidate changed the Chamber of Trade to the Chamber of Commerce in one paper, and in another, Robert's Park became James Park.

The usual howlers from the Interview paper included: "They set light to the entrance hall using petrol and old rags and smashed windows."

"Mr Lyons revealed he had received letters against the move to house asylum seekers, two of which have been handed to police."

"Mr Lyons ... revealed that work on the property, which cost £10,800, had been completed ..."

"(police comment on attack) ... which they believe was carried out by at least one individual." (Or poltergeist?)

And considering the close contact between press and police, there was a wide array of abbreviations for his rank, which would usually be Chief Supt:
Chief Sup, Chief Super, Cf Supt, Chf Spt, Chf Sup Int, Chft Supt, Cht Supt - and even Det Supt.

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