A Level crossing

On Thursday thousands of sixth formers will learn how well - or badly - they've done in their A levels. Many of them will be planning to go to university.

Phil Willis

The Government wants half of all 18 to 30 year olds to go into higher education. Last year's pass rate was a record 95%, with many predicting an even higher figure this year. And more students are getting the coveted A grade.

Last year 22% got at least one A, up from 7% two decades ago. So, every generation of sixth formers appears to be brighter than their predecessors. Or are they?

Some in the world of higher education fear that so-called 'grade inflation' will sooner or later make A levels meaningless. Indeed a Government inquiry has already recommended scrapping them in favour of a British baccalaureate.

Among leading academics, there is a strong feeling that the ability to pass an A level should no longer be seen as evidence that someone is good enough to go to university. And the top universities complain that so many students are getting A grades, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to decide who to admit for oversubscribed courses.

We asked Phil Willis, the Liberal Democrats' education spokesman, whether he thought A Levels were just too easy these days.