Eton tops A-level results table

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The historic boarding school, favoured by Royals and founded by Henry VI in 1440, saw its boys notch up an average of more than four As each in their exams this year.

For the first time, half of all A-level entries in independent schools were awarded As, according to the Independent Schools Council, which released the figures.

Eton headmaster Tony Little welcomed the results but warned that the school could drop A-levels for rival qualifications if the traditional exams are not reformed.

"It is always pleasing to see the hard work of boys and teachers rewarded, especially boys who are not naturally gifted academically," he said.

One boy at the school achieved 10 As in his A-levels but did so purely because he loved learning, Mr Little said.

But while A-levels work well for most pupils, they can limit the opportunities for the brightest to demonstrate their abilities. With so many pupils achieving As, universities struggle to identify the best candidates.

In common with other independent schools, Eton is interested in rival qualifications such as the new Pre-U being developed in Cambridge.

The Pre-U, which will be available for teaching from next year, will involve studying three subjects over two years, with final exams and an extended essay. Currently, A-levels are modular with exams taken in units during the course.