The percentage point gap between the number of comprehensive and private school pupils achieving three As at A-level has doubled in the past decade, figures released by the Conservatives reveal. Last year, 32.6 per cent of independent pupils gained three A grades as opposed to just 8.1 per cent in comprehensives. This is compared to 1998, when 16.9 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively achieved the same grades. The gap has widened from 12.2 per cent in 1998 to 24.5 per cent in 2009. Shadow schools secretary Michael Gove said: “The Conservatives will create a new generation of independent state schools funded by taxpayers but run by teachers and responsible to parents so that all parents get what they want.”