One in 12 A-levels get new A* grade

One in 12 A-level exams have been awarded an A* grade as sixth-formers scored another recordbreaking year of results.

A total of 69,302 exam entries (8.1 per cent) were awarded the new top grade, according to figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications. This exceeded predictions that around 7 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.

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

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

By the end of June more than 660,000 people 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 multimillion-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.