Nonetheless, 16 to 19-year-olds are capable of much more. It will inevitably require more teaching time. No doubt the question of how this can be resourced will be debated hotly by government and teachers. But as an examiner it is my job to declare to anyone who will listen that our students can and should achieve much more.

British teenagers are every bit as able as their continental competitors - who manage 30 hours of contact time - and are as bright as Singaporean candidates who take an average of five A-levels, and in a foreign language too.

Ron McLone, Head of policy, Oxford, Cambridge and RSA examinations 1 Hills Road, Cambridge