DIDN'T they do well? Or did they?

Although A-level students across Hampshire have notched up record results, they are bracing themselves this morning for criticism of 'too easy' exams.

But that is not the case, say education experts who protest that exam standards are not falling.

Throughout Southampton and Hampshire students are set this morning to discover how they have done. However colleges already know how they have fared.

At Itchen College in Southampton there was a 97 per cent pass rate and 96 per cent of students gained grades at Taunton's College.

Eastleigh's Barton Peveril College has notched up a 98.5 per cent pass rate, the same as Peter Symonds College at Winchester,

At Brockenhurst College the pass rate is 96.5 per cent, and at Totton College it is 96 per cent.

Across the country the pass rate is 96 per cent.

But there have been some concerns. A survey of 100 academics from across Britain's top universities, including Southampon, registered 90 per cent who thought standards had fallen over the last ten years.

And some local employers have doubts. "I agree that results have increased, but I don't think we are getting a better quality of student," commented Shaun Parsons, directer of Premier Shipping and Packing in Southampton.

David Millbank, the schools minister, had this message today for students: "Do not let anyone tell you that standards have dropped because more of you have done well - that is simply a myth. Your hard work has merited succes.

Full local round-up - see today's Spotlight feature under the More News section.