A-level pass rate rises to 97.6%

The A-level pass rate has gone up to a record 97.6% - rising for 28th successive year - from 97.5% of candidates who passed in 2009.

The increased A Level pass rate has sparked a battle for university places, Around 170,000 people are predicted to miss out on a place at university because although applications have surged, many universities have had to limit places due to funding cuts.

A total of 27% of entries achieved a grade A, with just over 8% of the entries were awarded the A* grade - which was introduced this year to help universities select the best candidates.