Today is the day that A levels results are released to students and their parents. For the first time in as long as I can remember, the news media has not been obsessed with grade inflation. The estimated 175,000 students who won’t get a place has moved that old chestnut off top spot. That said, universities which told a Guardian poll last week that they were full are suddenly able to take well qualified students (Clearing 2010: Universities offer lifeline to top students, The Guardian).
This is also the first year that the A* grade – awarded for grades of 90% and above – has been made available. Few universities used it in making offers, but more may use it in clearing.
The story is unfolding on the BBC, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Independent.
The Times is behind a pay wall.