Young people across England and Wales have been celebrating after another record-breaking year for GCSE and A level results.

Around seven out of ten pupils who took GCSEs were awarded at least a C grade, and the pass rate rose for the 23rd year in a row.

The A-level pass rate rose for the 28th consecutive year, and one in 12 students was awarded the new A* grade.

UCAS, the body that manages applications for higher education courses, said that 660,000 students had applied for university in what is being described as the most competitive year for university admissions for a decade.

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts said, “I congratulate everyone on their hard work and hope they got the results they need to fulfil their aspirations. Of course, university is not the only route into well-paid and fulfilling work. That is why we are also investing so much in further education and 50,000 extra high-quality apprenticeships."