A-Level results break records again

One in 12 A-level exams was awarded the new A* grade today in another record-breaking year of results - but thousands still face a scramble for university places.

A total of 69,302 exam entries (8.1 per cent) were awarded the new top grade, according to the Joint Council for Qualifications. This exceeded predictions that around seven per cent would get an A*.

More than one in four entries (27 per cent) were awarded an A grade - up from 26.7 per cent last year.

The overall pass rate rose for the 28th year in a row, with 97.6 per cent of entries awarded at least an E, up from 97.5 per cent in 2009.

Schools across Mid-Staffordshire mirrored the national picture with head teachers toasting a bumper haul of top grades.

Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, on Cardinal Way, Cannock, achieved the best results in the school's history with each pupil bagging an average of 713 UCAS points - up from 630 last year.

Headteacher Michael Burrowes said: "Credit must go to the students, parents and teaching staff for these impressive results."

But while many sixth-formers across the county are celebrating this afternoon, many could still face a struggle to win a university place.

By the end of June more than 660,000 people nationally had applied to start full-time undergraduate university courses.

It has been predicted that between 170,000 and 200,000, including sixth-formers and older learners, could miss out this autumn as universities face multi-million pound cuts and pressure on places.

More than 300,000 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving results today, the first year that sweeping changes to A-levels have come into effect.

As well as the new A* grade, students sat four modules instead of six, and answered "stretch and challenge" questioned designed to allow them to fully demonstrate their knowledge.

The figures show that girls got more A* grades overall than boys (8.3 per cent compared with 7.9 per cent), but boys got more A* grades in science and maths-based subjects.

Science has seen a resurgence this year with biology entries up 4.3 per cent, chemistry up 3.7 per cent and physics up by 5.2 per cent.