Pupils in London and the south east recorded the largest rise in top A-level results compared to 2019 as grade standards settled back to the new post-pandemic normal, with those in the north east hardest-hit.
Results this year have mostly returned to pre-pandemic standards after three years of grade inflation following the cancelation of exams.
However the regional picture varies.
The north east now has the lowest proportion of A* or A grades (22 per cent).
