A-level results 2012: private schools 'dominate top grades' Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "Saying to disadvantaged students that we have lower expectations about what they can achieve, and their grades for university entry, can send the wrong message. The aim should be to encourage all students to succeed, whether that be in an apprenticeship, higher education or other routes. According to data published by the Department for Education, some 12.5 per cent of pupils gained three A or A*s at A-level this summer, down from 13.1 per cent a year earlier. The average point score in A-levels - and equivalent vocational qualifications - also dropped in 2012. The average exam was awarded 211.8 points - roughly equivalent to a C - compared with 216.2 a year earlier. The move follows a toughening up of A-levels in recent years, with pupils being expected to completed fewer modules in more depth and answer longer essay-style questions. It emerged that pupils from private schools were significantly more likely to score straight As. Figures show that 30.6 per cent hit the target, compared with just 10.7 per cent among pupils from state schools. Independently-educated schoolchildren also achieved higher average points in each A-level. They scored an average of 242.3 points - close to a B grade - compared with 211.4 in state schools. In a further disclosure it emerged that boys were also more likely to achieve straight As than girls - 12.7 per cent compared with 12.2 per cent. More on A-level results 2012 A-Level results 2012: State sector school-by-school results A-Level results 2012: Independent school results table A-Level results 2012: 2012 vs 2011 by subject