A-level standards

exams

Thursday, 14, Aug 2008 12:00

Time for a return to the annual debate about exam standards.

It's a thorny issue, brought about by rising educational standards and suspicion about the competency of exam boards.

Figures from the Joint Council for Qualifications show 97.2 per cent of entries passed this year, up from 96.6 per cent.

There was also a 0.6 per cent increase in those gaining A grades, up to 25.9 per cent.

This year also saw a record number of entrants, with 827,737 students sitting their A-levels, and 1.13 million taking AS-levels.

The government argues high investment in schools and high-quality teaching are behind the improved results.