19/08/2010

Another Record Year For A-Level Grades

It has been another record-breaking year for A-Level results, with one in 12 of all exams (8%) being awarded the new A* grade.

More than a quarter of entries (27%) were awarded an A grade - a slight rise from 26.7% last year.

Overall, the pass rate rose again, for the 28th year in a row, with 97.6% of entries gaining an E grade or higher.

However, the good news has been overshadowed by fears that thousands of students could miss out on university places due to budget cuts.

Around 660,000 students have applied to university this year, but it is feared that as many as 200,000 students could be left without a place. In 2009, 482,000 students got places.

Commenting on the results, Universities Minister David Willets said: "It is a very exciting time for all those who receive their results today and I congratulate everyone on their hard work and hope they got the results they need to fulfil their aspirations.

"There are more university places than ever before and already 380,000 applicants have got confirmed places at university. For those who have sadly not done as well as they hoped, there are places available in clearing.

"Of course, university is not the only route into well-paid and fulfilling work. That is why we are also investing so much in Further Education and 50,000 extra high-quality apprenticeships."

See: 'Star Performance' From A-Level Students

(KMcA/BMcC)

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