Record year for top A-level grades predicted this year

Analysis of exam trends by the University of Buckingham has suggested that A-level results next week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could see high levels of top grades.

The university’s Prof Alan Smithers is predicting a ‘bumper crop’ of A* and A grades, in results for exams cancelled by the pandemic. But he warns against allowing ‘grade inflation’ to become the norm.

The University of East Anglia is also reporting early signs that it could be a ‘record year for grades’.

It is likely that with more pupils receiving high grades - which are being submitted by teachers for a second year in a row - there will be a crush for places at the most sought-after universities and courses, prompted by a record numbers of applications.

Universities will be getting advance notice of whether applicants have achieved their required grades, and will be going through their admission decisions ahead of the official release of results next week.