More than one in four UK A-level entries were awarded the top A-grade this year, results just released show.
More than one in four UK A-level entries were awarded the top A-grade this year, results show.
Figures from the exam boards showed 25.3% of entries were graded A, up from 24.1% last year.
Figures from the exam boards showed 25.3% of entries were graded A, up from 24.1% last year.
The national pass rate rose for the 25th year in a row, with 96.9% of exams being marked A to E, up from 96.6% last year.
The national pass rate rose for the 25th year in a row, with 96.9% of exams being marked A to E, up from 96.6% last year.
Girls continue to out-perform boys in every major subject except for modern foreign languages and further maths.
Girls continue to out-perform boys in every major subject except for modern foreign languages and further maths.
Around 500,000 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are getting their A-level and AS-level results.
Around 500,000 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are getting their A-level and AS-level results.
The total number of exam entries was 805,657.
The total number of exam entries was 805,657.
The top two subjects in terms of popularity were English and maths, with maths continuing its upward trend. Entries in maths were up 7.3% while those in further maths rose 8.3%.
The top two subjects in terms of popularity were English and maths, with maths continuing its upward trend. Entries in maths were up 7.3% while those in further maths rose 8.3%.
There was also a small rise in the numbers of people taking chemistry and physics but a slight fall in biology.
There was also a small rise in the numbers of people taking chemistry and physics but a slight fall in biology.
Entries in modern foreign languages were largely stable. There was an increase in entries for German and Spanish but a decrease in those for French.
Entries in modern foreign languages were largely stable. There was an increase in entries for German and Spanish but a decrease in those for French.
'Positive signs'
'Positive signs'
Jim Sinclair, director of the Joint Council for Qualifications, which published the results, paid tribute to the hard work of students.
Jim Sinclair, director of the Joint Council for Qualifications, which published the results, paid tribute to the hard work of students.
"The improvement of the results at A-level reflects how well students have done this year," he said.
"The improvement of the results at A-level reflects how well students have done this year," he said.
"Candidates who have worked hard are getting the results they deserve.
"Candidates who have worked hard are getting the results they deserve.
"There are many positive signs and improvements and some of the highlights are the continued upward entry trend in mathematics, the physical sciences also seeing an improvement and modern foreign languages remaining stable."
"There are many positive signs and improvements and some of the highlights are the continued upward entry trend in mathematics, the physical sciences also seeing an improvement and modern foreign languages remaining stable."
The steady improvement in results inevitably revives the debate about the standard of A-levels and whether they test the brightest pupils.
The steady improvement in results inevitably revives the debate about the standard of A-levels and whether they test the brightest pupils.
Higher pass rates mean more young people are achieving advanced qualifications that will help them fulfil their ambitions, this is something we should all celebrate Jim Knight, Schools Minister
Higher pass rates mean more young people are achieving advanced qualifications that will help them fulfil their ambitions, this is something we should all celebrate Jim Knight, Schools Minister
The Liberal Democrats are calling for an independent review but this has been ruled out by the government.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for an independent review but this has been ruled out by the government.
Schools Minister Jim Knight said one had been carried out three years ago and it was a "real shame" the annual debate about standards undermined pupils' performances.
Schools Minister Jim Knight said one had been carried out three years ago and it was a "real shame" the annual debate about standards undermined pupils' performances.
He said: "I warmly congratulate students and teachers on these excellent results.
He said: "I warmly congratulate students and teachers on these excellent results.
"Sustained progress in A-level results over the last decade is down to high quality teaching and strong investment in our schools.
"Sustained progress in A-level results over the last decade is down to high quality teaching and strong investment in our schools.
"Higher pass rates mean more young people are achieving advanced qualifications that will help them fulfil their ambitions, and this is something we should all celebrate."
"Higher pass rates mean more young people are achieving advanced qualifications that will help them fulfil their ambitions, and this is something we should all celebrate."
He also said it was encouraging that the numbers of students taking maths, modern languages and science subjects were on the rise. The subjects were crucial to the UK economy.
He also said it was encouraging that the numbers of students taking maths, modern languages and science subjects were on the rise. The subjects were crucial to the UK economy.
Professor Alan Smithers, from the University of Buckingham, said: "I think the A-grades hitting 25% is a matter of concern because it does not distinguish sufficiently well at the top end."
Professor Alan Smithers, from the University of Buckingham, said: "I think the A-grades hitting 25% is a matter of concern because it does not distinguish sufficiently well at the top end."
Did you achieve your expected grades? Are they enough to gain a place at your chosen university or will you be going through Clearing? Please use the form below to tell us about your A-level experiences.
Did you achieve your expected grades? Are they enough to gain a place at your chosen university or will you be going through Clearing? Please use the form below to tell us about your A-level experiences.
