Skip to main content
Results day always reveals a class-divided nation
Students at Brighton Girls school in Brighton, East Sussex, receive their A-level results, August 17, 2023

THE annual media storm over exam results always provides a window into the class realities in British education.

This year A-level results show a growing gap between the richest and poorest youth, with regional differences in attainment and grade gap widening between independent and state schools.

To the annual campaign to suggest that the curriculum is not rigorous enough, exams are too easy, that schools are failing and teachers are inadequate, is now added the news that the proportion of students gaining A and A* grades is 27.2 per cent down from the highest score of 44.8 per cent, which was achieved during Covid.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Pupils in a classroom
Features / 14 April 2026
14 April 2026

Cuts are sweeping campuses as cash-strapped universities slash staff and politicians fail to act on a growing funding emergency. VINCE MILLS reports

A general view of pupils sitting an exam at Lawrence Sheriff school Rugby, Warwickshire
Education / 5 August 2025
5 August 2025