Half of all private school A level grades marked A* or A, double the national level
Almost half of all independent school A level entries received either an A* or an A in 2016. At 48.7%, the A*/A percentage is nearly double the national average of 25.8%.
The percentage of students achieving at least ABB - a set of results desired by many of the top UK universities - remains at 55.5%.
Other figures from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) which collected data from 495 independent schools across the UK reveal:
• The proportion of students gaining three A* grades (or equivalent) is one in 15 (6.8%)
• Over three-quarters of all exams are graded B or higher (75.2%)
• An increase in candidates taking IB (+5%) EPQ (+12%), Pre-U (+19%) and BTEC (14%)
Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of ISC, said: "A concerted effort to halt grade inflation in recent years has seen the top grades both nationally and in independent schools level off and fall slightly, so it is encouraging to see the headline A* and A figure remain solid.
"Of particular note is the number of students achieving ABB grades, which will see many of them moving on to the university of his or her choice, a high number to the top institutions.
"Importantly, the actual grades achieved remain impressively high. ISC schools focus strongly on the 'facilitating' subjects which are much prized by top universities. In 2015 our schools had record levels of entry to Russell Group universities and we expect this trend to continue"
Julie Robinson, ISC General Secretary, said: "The annual exam results each August remind us all that the academic side of school life is a top priority and that the grades achieved help pave a foundation for much that is to come for many young people.
"On top of all other aspects of independent school life, visible recently with the sporting successes of our alumni in the Olympics, these results show there is great strength and continued value in independent education."