SPARE a thought for the thousands of teenagers due to receive their A-level results tomorrow.

Their performance in the exams can dictate future education and career prospects.

And on such a critical day in their young lives, they have to endure the unjustified and unsubstantiated criticism that A-levels are easier than they used to be.

There is no evidence that 'dumbing down' is the root cause of pass rates improving for the 22nd consecutive year.

However, there is every reason to suggest that the improvement is down to harder work by pupils, and better standards of teaching.

Tomorrow, we should be celebrating that improvement, not decrying and undermining it.

It is to David Miliband's credit that he is standing up for the achievement and ability of our children.

That said, there is still scope to reform A-levels.

The determination of grades has failed to keep pace with the rise in standards of education.

As a consequence, the A-grade has become too broad, and unable to distinguish the most gifted and able of candidates.

Among the expected recommendations in the Tomlinson Report this autumn is the proposed division of the A-grade into bands. We would approve of such a reform.

But, in the meantime, we wish the very best of luck to those receiving results tomorrow.

We prefer to think that improved exam results reflect an improved system of education, rather than a fall in standards.