Tim Almond

From the Independent

Exam boards are today expected to announce a further rise in the percentage of scripts being awarded an A-grade pass – pushing it up from 25.3 per cent last year to about 26 per cent. A slight rise in the overall pass rate is expected, which would put it up to 97 per cent for the first time ever. In all, about 25,000 candidates out of an estimated 250,000 taking the exam, are expected to get three A-grade passes.

Well, what a surprise.

However, (higher education minister) Mr Rammell said: “I think anybody who articulates the view that A-levels are worthless is flying in the face of reality – it is still an internationally reputable qualification – and is delivering a slap in the face to all students who have worked so hard.”

Every year we get this rot, the playing of the “think of the children” card over A-level results in an attempt for people to not seriously question constant grade inflation. If anything is likely to strengthen my opinion that A-levels have been made easier, it’s government ministers trotting out nonsense like this rather than getting into a serious debate about the subject.

Tags: Politics //