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Explained in plain English

What are A-levels?

A-levels are qualifications taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, usually over two years, after GCSEs. They're crucial for university entry and career paths. The story highlights how achieving top A-level grades, A* and A, varies significantly across different regions of England, impacting future opportunities for young people.

Stories that explain this

Record number of students expected to get first choice university place A-level maths paper was 'significantly more challenging' this year A-level top grades gap between London and north-east hits record 9.6 points

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What is devolution? Why do exam standards change? Who is Jo Saxton? Who are Ofqual? What is a 'pass rate'? Why do regional gaps exist? How is school funding decided? What is UCAS?

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