Today is election day. Supposedly, no party has been telling us the truth about the economic future. I hope some political party, especially the one or ones in power, will soon start telling us the truth about the educational present.

For most sixth formers this term is dominated by A-Levels. For all A-Level candidates, a new grade, the A*, is now available. Crudely speaking, the A* requires a mark of 90 per cent, as opposed to the A grade’s 80 per cent. This sounds simple enough, but the implications and consequences are more complex.

The A* is a response to need. Over the years more and more candidates have been gaining the top A-Level grade.

More and more students have applied for university, in part because of economic pressures, yet there are fewer and fewer places available. The A* seemed a necessary filter and all sensible people campaigned for its introduction and implementation.

Unfortunately, the A* soon became a political football. The government, persuaded by others to introduce it, soon persuaded itself that there should be no hurry about implementing it. Enter meltdown.

Students who face major challenges in the public exam period deserve clear minds and clear targets. Alas they can currently have neither.

To begin with only two universities said that they would require the A*.

By October, the number had risen to five. That still remains the official figure, though it is widespread knowledge that no fewer than 13 universities have actually made offers which include the new grade. And already other universities, such as Durham, are privately admitting that they will be requiring the grade next year, despite the fact that it has not yet been piloted — the very reason for which they supposedly refused to adopt it in the first place.

Confusion prevails. On UCAS forms, for example, completed earlier in the year, teachers must predict either an A* or an A. Yet on the prediction forms, which all exam boards send round at this time, the A*, unbelievably, does not exist.

No one taking an A-Level this summer should be in any doubt about the reality. The A* has been introduced hugger-mugger. Many universities have already been using it, albeit silently.

In this summer’s clearing, the reality of the grade will strike with a vengeance. If you want a top university, one or two or three A*s will be essential. If you do not make clearing, and want to reapply in the course of next year, the situation may be even more demanding.

So here is a plea to be honest, made on behalf of all young people, about what is really happening this summer and about the new situation that is here to stay. It is particularly topical in this university city where attitudes to the A* have not been as forensic as in some others, despite regular and contentious coverage in the press.

Good luck to all those taking exams this summer. No-one suggests that it is any fun. Wise people know that, if possible, they should be seeking A*. Then comes the good news — celebrations and festivities.

We will be helping MCS boys to relax post exams with our arts festival. Do join us.