Average A-Level Grades in the North East are increasing slower than they are in the South, with the gap between the regions worsening.

The North East has seen the smallest increase in the number of pupils achieving top grades between 2019-2022, with London and the South East seeing the largest increases despite the government’s levelling-up agenda.

In the North East 30.8% of A-Levels were awarded the top A and A* grades, up 7.8% points on 2019, however in London the top grades were given 39% of the time, up 12.1% points on before the pandemic.

Read more: A Level Results Day LIVE: North East and North Yorkshire results

School charities and levelling-up bosses have raised concerns over the worsening gap in achievement between the North East and South East, saying that addressing these divides is vital to raise productivity and wages in the region.

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We are incredibly proud of the students and school staff in our region and all they have achieved despite unprecedented circumstances. However, the results also reflect the disproportionate affect the pandemic has had on our region.

“Schools urgently need a properly thought through and resourced ‘recovery’ plan, that recognises the regional contexts schools operate in, with a long-term view of education and a curriculum that is appropriate and accessible to all students and schools.”

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here

98.6% of students in the North East passed their A-Level qualifications this year, down on 99.7% last year when grades were based on teacher-assessments after exams were cancelled for the second year due to Covid.

Meanwhile Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership has said that marking has “benefited those in London” the most.

Murison said: “The marking leniency showed in these A-Level results has benefited those in London the greatest with more securing at least grade A per qualification this year compared to 2019.

“The gap between London and the South East with all the northern regions has widened, and if there had been no leniency in marking the results in the North East at least would have likely fallen at A or above compared to 2019.”

Read more: Bishop Auckland student gets top grades despite dad battling cancer

Speaking at a school in Bishop Auckland this morning, where grades were up year-on-year Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told The Northern Echo the government had “failed” to support young people.

She said: “I think there has been a failure on the government’s part to support our young people, we know that fewer than one in five have received any catch-up support so our teachers and support staff have done a really brilliant job.”

Education Secretary James Cleverly has said all students should be proud of their achievements through the pandemic.

He said: “The class of 2022 has faced unprecedented disruption to their education and many have never taken public exams before due to the pandemic.

“So, their achievements are a testament to their resilience and hard work throughout this period, and to their outstanding teachers and support staff who have helped them to achieve success.”

The results will be a testament to students’ resilience and hard work, as well as the efforts of their teachers, the Association of Colleges chief executive David Hughes said.

He added: “The class of 2022 has faced unprecedented disruption to their education and many have never taken public exams before due to the pandemic.

“So, their achievements are a testament to their resilience and hard work throughout this period, and to their outstanding teachers and support staff who have helped them to achieve success.”

The school leaders’ union NAHT also paid tribute to pupils for their “resilient and tenacious” approach to meeting the challenges they have faced.

Paul Whiteman, union general secretary, said: “They have experienced large amounts of disruption due to Covid throughout their courses and have worked hard with their school’s support to achieve today’s results.

“For many students receiving results today, these will have been the first formal national exams they have ever taken.”

See how A Level grades in the North East compare to the rest of the UK.

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here