'Record number' of A-level passes

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.

Experts predict the pass rate will rise again this year for what will be the 26th year in a row.

Last year the pass rate topped 97% and one in four exams (25.9%) were awarded an A grade.

Professor Alan Smithers, from the University of Buckingham's Centre for Education and Employment Research, said: "My guess is something like 26.5% of entries will get an A grade this year."

Professor Smithers explained that the rising pass rate is also affected by the introduction of AS Levels: "At the moment three units are taken after one year and three more after the second. After the first year there is a clear indication of how you're doing, and you're not going to proceed if you've got no hope of passing."

But while students who get their required grades will be celebrating, safe in the knowledge that their university place is secure, those who fall below their predicted results face a scramble to secure a spot.

A surge in applications, fuelled by the recession, and the Government's cap on extra places means there are very few openings still available.

Just 22,000 places are expected to be available through clearing - half the amount available last year.

As the national results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland are published, teachers have appealed for pupils to be allowed to enjoy their day of success without complaints about the exams being "dumbed down".

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: "Downplaying the achievements of young people, teachers and schools at exam results time has become something of a national sport."