A level results lead record numbers students heading university vast majority accepted choice degree courses

A-level pass rate FALLS for the first time in 32 years but record numbers of students will go to university... and boys outdo girls in top A* grade

1. The overall A* to E pass rate has fallen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the first time since 1982 
2. But around 400,000 undergraduates have still been accepted onto courses at universities - up 3%
3. More than 350,000 sixth-formers have won a place on their first choice of course - up 2%
4. Boys pulled further ahead in battle of the sexes with 8% of entries attaining an A* compared with 7.4% for girls
5. Ucas said that for the first time this year, the total number of people going to university could top half a million