PAT: Improvement in results welcome

The Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) has welcomed the improvement in A-level results and said the achievement should be celebrated.

In response to suggestions that higher passes meant exams were just getting easier, PAT professional officer Steve Doo said teachers were "tired of this annual ritual of undermining the achievements of our young people".

"The results reflect the ability of teachers to teach the A-level syllabus and the willingness of young people to commit to their education," he said.

Mr Doo said both students and teachers should be congratulated on the results, which indicated high standards in schools.

And students of all abilities who reach their potential "should be praised", he said.