YESTERDAY was a stressful day for millions of teenagers. It was the day they discovered whether they had passed their A-levels.

For some, there was jubilation and our congratulations go out to the students whose grades matched their hopes. We particularly salute those who overcame hardship to produce some remarkable stories of achievement against the odds.

For others, there was intense disappointment, but they should remember that it is not the end of the world - they can still find a route to success.

And for a few - and we accept it is a very small minority - there was frustration at being left in limbo because their work had not been marked in time.

Of course there are excuses. The examination system has reached overload under the Government's drive to raise standards and adjudicators clearly cannot cope.

But no matter how small the percentage and whoever is to blame - examination boards or the Government - it is not good enough.

A theme of unacceptable examination blunders has unfolded in recent times and it has to be corrected because it is not fair on those who are the most important - the youngsters.

They have worked hard, waited anxiously to discover their fate, and they have a right to expect their results to be ready on time.

After all, they aren't allowed to make excuses if they fail to complete their examinations within the time allowed, are they?

Outing of shame

MILLIONS of people are united in praying for the safe return of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, and our thoughts are with the missing girls and their families.

But while all decent people need only the incentive of a happy ending to want to help, it has emerged that day-trippers are being lured to Soham in Cambridgeshire by the large rewards on offer for finding Holly and Jessica.

How low can people stoop?