PRINCIPALS today insisted sniping about whether A-levels have got easier should not overshadow East Lancashire students' success.

Accusations that A-levels continue to be dumbed down have again been made after the results nationally went up for the 24th year in a row.

The British Chambers of Commerce is demanding A-levels be shelved in favour of a more industry-conscious baccalaureate system.

It's president Peter Mileham said: "We would like to congratulate all those who have worked so hard for their A-levels and achieved the results they wanted today.

"There is, however, continuing frustration among the business community that the current system is too narrow and restrictive and is not providing our young people with the skills they will need in an increasingly globalised economy.

"Whether the government likes it or not, the continuing debate we are having on grade inflation and the rigour of the A-level system is not going away. The facts speak for themselves; the proportion of young people scoring an A has almost doubled, from 12 per cent in 1991 to nearly 23 per cent last year."

But principals insist the high pass rates are down to sheer hard work and any criticisms A-levels are getting easier were unfounded.

Kevin McMahon, principal of St Mary's College, Blackburn, said: "The results are a tribute to their hard work and determination and the efforts of the teachers. I hope those efforts will be celebrated without the all too familiar accusations exams are becoming easier."

The Association of Colleges learning director, Maggie Scott stressed: "Higher pass rates are the result of better teaching, better student choices and better exam practice - not grade inflation. Not only have teaching standards improved so students are better prepared for the exams than ever, they now have more opportunity to choose the right course."

Principal at fee-paying Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, Dr David Hempsall, said the school would not be making a knee-jerk decision over its A-level provision.

"For the time being, our judgement is suspended on the issue. We will however be researching our options over the next 12 months and, at the right time, take a decision that is in the best interests of Queen Elizabeth's and our future students."

School Standards Minister Jim Knight said higher grades were a sign of a successful education system.