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Boris Johnson insists A-level results are 'robust' as he shrugs off protests from teachers and pupils

Boris Johnson has shrugged off protests that the A-levels process has been a fiasco, describing the results as “robust” and “dependable”.

Despite growing anger among pupils and teachers, the prime minister also insisted he had full confidence Gavin Williamson, the under-fire education secretary.

“Let's be in no doubt about it, the exam results that we've got today are robust, they're good, they're dependable for employers,” he said.

The wide-ranging criticism of the results – with some students in tears, as predicted grades were lowered by use of a computer algorithm – had prompted speculation about a further government rethink.

But Mr Johnson denied the process would rebound on the 2020 cohort, pointing to figures showing they were snapping up the university places sought.

He said: “Already I think that there's a record number of candidates, of students, who are able to get their first-choice course at the university of their choice.

“Plus, there's a record number of students, of pupils, from disadvantaged backgrounds who now as a result of these grades, will be able to go to university.”

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