STUDENTS in Bolton have been breaking records as the number of A-level passes reached new highs.

Nationally, the proportion of A grades climbed 0.8 per cent to 22.4 per cent, after a 0.9 per cent rise in 2003.

Figures from national exam boards showed the pass rate rose for the 22nd consecutive year, with a 96 per cent A-to-E pass rate.

But as pass rates rose, the annual row over whether standards are getting easier returned.

School standards minister David Miliband had the following message for students: "Don't let anyone tell you that standards have dropped because more of you have done well, this is simply a myth. Your hard work has merited success."

Pass rates increased for boys but their success is still being overshadowed by their female counterparts.

Overall, A-to-E pass rates for boys rose 0.7 per cent, compared with 0.4 per cent for girls.

But girls continued to outdo boys at every grade, as they have done for some years.

While 21 per cent of boys entries got As, 23.7 per cent of girls were awarded the top grade.

There were further falls in entries to some so-called "hard" subjects including physics, French and German, although maths showed an increase.

Scientists and teachers voiced their dismay today at the drop in the number of students choosing to study science at A-level.

There was another rise in popularity of subjects that are often dismissed as "soft" including media, film and TV studies, sociology and psychology.

Religious studies saw a 13.8 per cent surge in entries. It has also become increasingly popular at GCSE level in recent years, and the National Association of Head Teachers indicated it could be down to the clash between the West and Islamist terrorists.

Anyone who is still seeking a university place this September can visit Bolton Institute's Clearing Open Days on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 pm at Eagle Mall, College Way, Bolton.

Students can choose from a range of foundation, HND and degree courses in addition to the range of combined degrees offered within the modular framework.

For details call the clearing hotline on 01204 903903 or visit www.bolton.ac.uk/clearing.