A grades 'need greater breakdown'

Some courses are oversubscribed by students with all A-grades

Universities struggling to choose between candidates with a string of A grades could be given more information about students' A-level results.

The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) wants to allow colleges to see a breakdown of the individual modules that make up the grade.

This would help universities and would limit the growing number of admissions tests being introduced, it claims.

The change would start applying to students beginning courses next year.

This would help colleges differentiate between the growing numbers of equally well-qualified students UCAS spokesperson

Last year 21.6% of A-level students got the top grade and the number is expected to be higher when this year's pupils get their results on Thursday.

Some university courses are oversubscribed by students with all A grades.

Under the new system, some high-profile colleges could insist on A grades in each of the six modules that make up the exam mark.

The move has the support of Anthony McClaran, chief executive of UCAS, and Ken Boston, head of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

"This would help colleges differentiate between the growing numbers of equally well-qualified students," a UCAS spokesperson said.

"And it could limit the rising number of entry tests set by the top colleges for sought-after courses such as medicine and law."