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A-level results day 2015 live: Students collect marks as teachers slam 'backdrop of uncertainty' A-level results day 2015 live: Students collect marks as record numbers head to university
(34 minutes later)
Around 300,000 students are heading to schools and colleges across the country to find out their A-level results today. A record number of students are expected to head to university this year after more than 400,000 were accepted on to courses with their A-level results.
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Last year's pass rate dropped for the first time in more than three decades, although the proportion of exams awarded the very highest grades rose. By midnight, 409,410 people had been accepted on to higher education courses in the UK, up 3 per cent - around an extra 13,000 students - compared to the same point last year.
In total, 98 per cent of 2014 exams scored at least an E grade, down by 0.1 percentage points and just over one in four were awarded an A* or A grade. That is the highest number of acceptances recorded on A-level results day, Ucas said.
The results will decide for some whether they get into their chosen university, apprenticeship or training scheme, or must reconsider their options.The results will decide for some whether they get into their chosen university, apprenticeship or training scheme, or must reconsider their options.
Tens of thousands of pupils who failed to reach the benchmark for one of their university places will enter clearing to find a course with vacancies. Student A-level results being prepared at the Yate International Academy last yearTens of thousands of pupils who failed to reach the benchmark for one of their university places will enter clearing to find a course with vacancies. Student A-level results being prepared at the Yate International Academy last year
Commenting before the release of today's results, the General Secretary of teachers' union the NASUWT, Chris Keates, said: “The publication of this year's A-levels results will once again be against a backdrop of uncertainty, not only from the impact of recent qualification reforms, but also amidst the now seemingly annual ritual of claims about inaccurate marking and questionable standards.Commenting before the release of today's results, the General Secretary of teachers' union the NASUWT, Chris Keates, said: “The publication of this year's A-levels results will once again be against a backdrop of uncertainty, not only from the impact of recent qualification reforms, but also amidst the now seemingly annual ritual of claims about inaccurate marking and questionable standards.
“Every year young people and teachers who have worked hard throughout the course see their efforts undermined by those who wish to detract from the achievements of our public education system which delivers, year on year, world-class standards of education.“Every year young people and teachers who have worked hard throughout the course see their efforts undermined by those who wish to detract from the achievements of our public education system which delivers, year on year, world-class standards of education.
“Teachers and pupils should be congratulated without reservation for what they have achieved.”“Teachers and pupils should be congratulated without reservation for what they have achieved.”
Additional reporting by PAAdditional reporting by PA