Kelly plans new top grade for A-levels

A new top grade at A-level is to be introduced to enable elite universities to distinguish between straight A students.

At the other end of the ability spectrum, pupils who abandon academic studies for job-related vocational courses will have to pass practical maths and English courses to enter the world of work.

They will continue to have to take classes aimed at giving them the literacy and numeracy levels needed for everyday life even if they leave school at 16 and go into job-related training full time.

The radical overhaul of secondary education will be unveiled by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly this week.

She will reject calls to replace A-levels and GCSEs with a diploma proposed by the government's review of education. Ms Kelly will say the existing system should be retained and strengthened, not scrapped.

A government source said: "Ruth Kelly will make clear that A-levels and GCSEs are here to stay. We've a lot to be proud of in our education system."

Under her plans a new top grade or distinction award for the top A-level performers will be introduced.