Universities have increasingly complained about the lack of distinction between the very top pupils upon application to their courses. A new grade has been added as a growing number of pupils achieve ‘A’ grade results, raising questions about the difficulty of some of the qualifications.
Figures were gathered from 24 elite schools across the UK to determine if the new grade boundary would make an impact. To achieve the ‘A*’ grade, a pupil must score at least 80% overall in their two years and above 90% in their final exam.
The results showed an astonishing 65% of the pupils in these top schools would be able to achieve the A* grade in at least one of their three A level subjects. Although the new A-Level papers contain more difficult questions than in previous years as a result of one in eight pupils now achieving three ‘A’ grades.
The ’super-grade’ similar to the highest level of G.C.S.E qualification is aimed at identifying the most talented students without changing the standards of the five existing A to E grades. The calls for the extra level have been in response to an increasing number of students achieving an A grade, around a quarter of all entries.
There have been a handful of Universities that have begun to use the A* grade as an entry requirement and 3 students have already been told by Cambridge University they must achieve three or more A* results. Most universities have not the used of the grade in offers because of its uncertainty and fears it may discouraged disadvantaged students from applying. It has been suggested that independent schools stood a significantly better chance of achieving the A* grade than state schools.
The Conservative party welcomed the introduction of the higher level considering it “long overdue” and finally recognising grade inflation at A level. “This announcement is an important first step in restore integrity and rigour to the A-level exam,” said Nick Gibb, the Conservatives’ schools spokesman.
Some of the most talented candidates come from a Public boarding school as it offers a more intense full time education. Moreton Hall School is the best private boarding school in the North West.
