Headteacher calls for shake-up of devalued A level grading

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Dr Nigel Richardson said the shake-up was needed to combat soaring pass rates that have devalued the exam.

A 40 per cent increase in the A-level pass rate since 1957 has brought accusations that exam papers have become too easy.

Dr Richardson, who is head of the Perse School in Cambridge and chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, wants a radical overhaul to restore public confidence in the so-called "gold standard" test.

He recommended raising the number of grades from five to eight. This would involve splitting the A,B and C grades to give universities and employers a better guide to an applicant's ability.

With another set of record-breaking A-level results expected in a fortnight, the system is on the brink of "breaking down", Dr Richardson warned.

His recommendations came as the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority unveiled revamped A-level courses, requiring longer essay answers and an extended project for pupils starting courses from September 2008.

The best students will receive an A* grade if they score 90 per cent or more in their final exams.

The number of examined A-level units has been reduced from six to four to reduce time-consuming assessment and allow more in-depth studies.

Dr Richardson claimed the move did not go far enough. "It will not solve the issues of grade inflation or an exam which few now fail," he said. "The whole thing needs a fresh look. The most radical option would be to look at the pass-fail line."

More than 30 private schools are expected to join the state sector as academies, it has emerged. Heads would scrap fees and selective admissions for a guarantee of state funding, while keeping control of curriculums and activities.