Almost one in five was awarded the new A* grade, says the Independent Schools Council, which represents the majority of independent schools in the UK.

Across state and private schools as a whole, 8% of A-level entries were graded A*, with 27% getting an A or A*.

About 6.5% of UK pupils go to private schools, rising to 18% among over-16s.

The ISC says 6% of its candidates (2,108 pupils) were awarded three or more A* grades.

It has released its league tables and data about some of the other qualifications taken by its schools.

At the top of the table for the third year in a row is Wycombe Abbey, a girls’ boarding school in Buckinghamshire.

More than 50% of the school’s exam entries were awarded one of the new A* grades.

more… http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11112169