A Level Results Day 2016: Gap between boys and girls for top grades is lowest in 10 years

The gap between girls and boys getting the top grades at A-level has fallen to its lowest for at least 10 years, official results show today.

Female students still achieved more A* and A grades than their male counterparts — but only by a difference of 0.3 per cent. In 2006 the gap was 2.6 per cent.

Maths remained the most popular subject with a surge in pupils taking economics and computer science, suggesting more are aware of skills required in the workplace.

Looking at A* grades alone, boys did better than girls, by a margin of 0.8 per cent. Overall, the proportion of A* and A grades fell from 25.9 per cent in 2015 to 25.8 per cent.

Record numbers of university places were awarded, amid claims that institutions have lowered entry requirements.