A-level results last week broke another record of achievement, the 24th straight year of improved pass rates. Students should be congratulated for this. Local schools across the county have seen their pupils do well and their teachers can share in their success.
It is discouraging for students to read about grade inflation distorting the value of their efforts at school. I am sure they put in just as much effort as their elders.
This is not to say that all is well with the public exam system we now have. Last month I met one of the most distinguished secondary heads in the constituency, the week before he retired. His view, shared by many educationalists, is that the focus of school life has become too narrowly concentrated on preparing our young people for exam success at the expense of a more rounded education.
It is undoubtedly hard for Universities and employers to distinguish students at the top end. Employers are increasingly concerned at shortages in student numbers in science and basic skill gaps in others coming out of our schools.
But this is not the time to focus on these issues. Policy makers must look at how the education system should best serve the nation's needs. Students should celebrate their success.
