TEACHERS have hit out at criticisms that A-levels are easier than ever, after the proportion of entries awarded the top A grade rose again this year.

At Oakmead College, 61 percent of students passed with three grades A to C, and every student who sat an A-level exam passed with grades A to E.

Gill Blanshard, head of college, rejected criticisms that exams were getting easier, or schools were failing to provide "soft skills" such as an ability to cope with pressure and encourage independent thinking.

"If you work with the students they the critics are referring to you would know the pressures they are under.

"They are far more independent than they were before. The majority of them have to have a significant amount of work to fund themselves through sixth form."

  • For a full round-up of the A-level results across the region and pictures, see Friday's Daily Echo.