THOUSANDS of teenagers get their A level results today - and they're being backed by teachers against claims the exams have 'dumbed down'.

Last year only three per cent of exams were failed and more than a quarter were grade A.

The pass rate has continued to grow since the exams were first introduced, leading education experts and politicians to voice fears that the exam standards are slipping.

But teachers have reacted angrily to the accusation. They say it is pupils themselves who were improving.

English teacher Liz Gregory, whose 45 students were finding out their results at Bury College this morning, said: "People are saying a record pass rate is a terrible thing.

"While some elements of courses are easier because students can retake modules, students still have to do a lot of course work and perform well at exams in order to even pass their subject.

Celebrate

"I feel so sorry for our students because they want to celebrate what they've done but they're being told it's worthless."

The results are crucial to many students who are waiting to find out if they get into the university of their choice.

Schools and colleges received provisional results for their students yesterday - a day ahead of the official release, and many are reporting better grades than last year.

At the Canon Slade School in Bolton, staff estimated their 160 students had scored A to C grades in 75 per cent of their exams.

Peter Cantley, deputy head of Canon Slade School in Bolton, said: "It is a very positive picture and an accurate reflection of all the hard work that has taken place over the last year."

More than 700 students were waiting for results at Aquinas College, Stockport and staff said early indications also pointed to record results.

Vice-principal Eddie Moore said: "We are very happy with the way things have gone. The grades are going up every year but from what we have seen it because of our students' hard work."

Last year 26,000 A-level candidates achieved three grade As. Next year, a new A* grade will be introduced in an effort to distinguish the most capable students achieving 90 per cent or higher. But some experts have expressed fears over the grades, arguing it would be socially divisive.