London: Sixth-form pupils have set a new record for top grades at A-level and the pass rate has risen for a 26th consecutive year, the examinations body said on Thursday.
The number of "A" grades climbed 0.6 percentage points to 25.9 per cent, while the pass rate edged up to 97.2 from 96.9 per cent, said the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
"The results show not only an improvement in the grades achieved but also an increased entry for mathematics, sciences and languages," said JCQ Director Dr Jim Sinclair.
The rise in the pass rate is likely to reignite the annual debate over whether the "gold standard" exam is getting easier.
Some universities say it is hard to select the best candidates when so many students earn top grades.
Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell denied suggestions the exam has been dumbed down to boost pass rates.
"Anybody who articulates that A-levels are worthless is flying in the face of reality," he said.
"It is still an internationally reputable qualification."
Page last updated 01 January 2020