Top A-level grades show regional divide

Almost one in four of the A* grades awarded this year went to students in the South-east.

The region had 19 per cent of A-level entries, but accounted for 23 per cent of A* grades awarded.

London had 15 per cent of entries and 17 per cent of top grades, while the Eastern region had 12 per cent of A-level entries and 13 per cent of A*s awarded.

The South-west had 10 per cent of A*s and 10 per cent of entries.

Other areas of England were under-represented.