A-level pass rate rise expected

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Thousands of Welsh teenagers are anxiously awaiting their A-level results this morning.

This year is expected to see another rise in the pass rate and another increase in the number of entries getting the top A grade.

In 2006, a record 96.9% of all entries in Wales passed with grades A to E, and nearly a quarter of all entries received the top A grade.

The rising pass rate has led to questions about the exam's toughness.

Critics say the A-level exam's reputation has been tarnished by a yearly rise in results.

But its supporters say the greater use of coursework and the introduction of the AS level have helped students hone their skills and achieve higher grades.

The pass rate has risen every year for more than 20 years.

Last year, it rose by a tiny 0.1% and the number of entries getting a grade A rose to 23.9%.

The results also usually spark a debate about girls outperforming boys.

CLEARING NUMBERS Aberystwyth <i> 01970 622000</i>Bangor Uni <i>0800 085 1818 (Eng) 0800 3285 763 (Welsh)</i>Cardiff Uni <i>029 2087 6000</i>Trinity Coll, Carmarthen <i>01267 676767</i>Uni of Glam <i>0800 716 925</i>Lampeter <i>01570 424600</i>Newi <i>01978 293439</i>Newport Uni <i>01633 435000</i>Swansea Uni <i>01792 295097</i>Swansea Inst <i>0800 731 0884</i>Uwic <i>029 2041 6040</i>National exams results helpline <i>0808 100 8000</i>

More girls than boys are entered for A-levels and usually do better, although research carried out by Chwarae Teg shows that over the longer term, women's earnings are 12% lower than that for men.

That is due in part to the fact that women take time out to have families and to care for elderly relatives, while returning to the job market is not always easy.

There will also be the third set of results from the pilot of the Welsh Baccalaureate.

At advanced level, taken with two or three A-levels, a pass in the Bac is worth an A at A-level. The results to date have not been stunning, with fewer than half completing the first two-year course.

However, the numbers have improved and the real battle for the Welsh Assembly Government is to get more English universities to accept it.

Whatever the results, careers advisers are telling students not to panic and to think carefully about their options before making a final decision.

A national careers advice helpline, 0808 100 8000, has been set up.