Weeks of waiting came to an end today as hundreds of A-levels students across Bradford discovered whether they had made the grade.

Nationally, results show the number of A grades went up for the 11th year running, prompting claims that the "gold standard" exam is becoming easier.

But they have been vigorously denied by the Joint Council for General Qualifications, which insists exam boards monitor all exams to ensure standards are maintained.

The improvement in A grades, by 0.3 per cent to 17.8 per cent compared to 1999, was because of higher teaching standards and a more supportive environment for students, it said.

Schools across the district were hoping to match the trend.

Beckfoot Grammar School examinations officer Colin Jones said the majority of students had achieved the required grade for university. Among the successes were Joelle Cleveland and Peter Winslow, who both won places at Cambridge -- Peter achieving five A grades.

Paul Kronbachs, who suffers cerebral palsy affecting hislimbs, was also successful in his three subjects and will be reading economics after a gap year. At Bingley Grammar School, girls performed better overall than boys in line with the national trend, although the top 11 results were from male pupils.

For the first time in the country, girls have achieved more A grades than boys, girls taking 18.1 per cent, compared to the boys' 17.5.

Headmaster John Patterson said: "We are extremely pleased with what the students have achieved.

"Against a background of building work and the planning for re-organisation, this represents a major achievement for students and staff."

Nationally, A-level passes have risen for the 18th consecutive year. Higher Education Minister Baroness Blackstone today dismissed claims of "rampant grade inflation" by the Institute of Directors.

She said: "There are good reasons why pass rates have continued to improve. Young people understand good qualifications are increasingly important,"

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