Figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrat Leader Tim Farron in a Parliamentary written question show that a large number of. pupils were underachieving.

The concerning figures show that 19,380 students achieved an E as their highest grade amounting to around three per cent of those taking the exams.

Tim Farron told The Sun:

“Many of these students are able to do much better but have not had the help and support they deserve.

“Slashing the education budget is having a real impact in schools and here is the evidence.

“This government seem happy to consign many people who don’t make the grade to the scrapheap. I believe education matters and I am committed to not letting this happen.

“I want to see more targeted support, catch up classes and individual student action plans to help these students get the grades they deserve.”