As students across England open their A-level results, the class of 2024 has much to celebrate. The number of A* grades awarded has surged by 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, marking a significant shift in the grading landscape. While this increase in top grades is undoubtedly good news for many students, it has also reignited concerns about grade inflation and the long-term implications for the value of A-level qualifications.
A New Grading Landscape
In 2019, A-level students faced a grading system with different standards than today’s candidates. Fast forward to 2024, and the picture looks very different. Despite efforts by Ofqual, the exams regulator, to return to pre-pandemic grading levels, the 2023 grading standard has been entrenched as the new baseline. This decision has effectively institutionalized a degree of grade inflation, raising questions about the fairness and consistency of the grading process.
Dr. Jo Saxton, former Chief Regulator at Ofqual, offered insight into this shift. “A typical student who would have achieved an A grade in their A-level geography before the pandemic was just as likely to get an A in 2023 even if their performance… is a little weaker in 2023 than it would have been before the pandemic.” This suggests that while students are achieving higher grades, the standard required to earn these grades may not be as stringent as it once was.
A Surge in Top Achievements
One of the most striking statistics from the 2024 results is the 50% increase in the number of students achieving three A* grades since 2019. This rise is particularly notable given that the total number of exam entries has only increased by 11% during the same period. For many students, these exceptional results will open doors to top universities and competitive courses, but it also raises questions about whether the bar for excellence has been lowered.
The increase in top grades can be attributed to several factors. Ofqual has pointed to the ability of the current cohort, suggesting that students are simply performing better. However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be overlooked. While there were initial concerns about learning loss due to school closures and disruptions, it seems that either students have adapted remarkably well, or the grading standards have been adjusted to compensate for these challenges.
The Ongoing Debate Over Grade Inflation
As the dust settles on the 2024 A-level results, the debate over grade inflation is far from over. Educational experts, parents, and students alike are questioning the transparency of the grading process and the implications of these changes. Tom Middlehurst from the ASCL School Leaders’ Union voiced these concerns, stating, “The process remains opaque and it is hard for students, parents and teachers to understand exactly how these decisions are made.“
The need for transparency and consistency in grading is more critical than ever. While celebrating the successes of the class of 2024, it is equally important to ensure that A-level qualifications continue to serve as a reliable measure of student achievement and readiness for higher education.
Looking Ahead
As educational stakeholders reflect on the 2024 A-level results, the focus must shift to maintaining rigorous academic standards and ensuring that grades accurately reflect student performance. While the rise in top grades is a positive outcome for many, it also underscores the need for ongoing scrutiny of the grading system.
The 2024 A-level results mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of academic assessment in England. As we look to the future, it is essential to balance celebrating student achievements with safeguarding the integrity of the qualifications that are crucial to their academic and professional journeys.
Summary
- A-level results in England show a 20% increase in A* grades compared to 2019.
- Ofqual has adopted the 2023 grading standard as the new baseline, raising concerns about grade inflation.
- The number of students achieving three A* grades has risen by 50% since 2019, despite a smaller increase in exam entries.
- The debate over grade inflation and the transparency of grading processes continues.
