21.03.10. The overabundance of superionic A* private schools

How to write Jack Grimston and Liz Lightfoot in the times, the first sample of results two-thirds of the students to some of the leading independent schools in the country received a new top scores A* in the exams for the course A-levels. Data were derived from 24 elite schools where some students took final exams in mathematics. On average, 65% of students in these schools received on the math test, A*, and only the most academically successful schools, the number with the highest evaluation score is 80%.

To get A* examinees must have on the subject of not less than 80% of maximum score for two years of study at A-level and passed the final examination of not less than 90% of 100%.

The highest grade A* was introduced because of complaints of universities to the rapid growth in the number of excellent ratings A, making it difficult to determine the best candidates for admission. Now one of eight students gaining A grades in three subjects. Some universities already require A* among other assessments of applicants. In Cambridge at least three applicants were told they must gain three A*.

There are fears that this year will increase the gap between state and independent schools based on the number received the highest score. The independent schools Council (Independent Schools Council) has estimated that his pupils can get an A* at 16.5% of the exams in all subjects, but new research shows that this level can be determined correctly.
Edexcel, one of the five major examination bodies in the UK, predicts that just over 12% of candidates get A * in math exams. Official projections suggest that the figure for all subjects is about 6%.
The polls say that 45% of students in the schools responding will receive A* in biology, chemistry, physics and English literature.