TODAY is the most important day in their lives for hundreds of thousands of young people across Britain and thousands across Suffolk as they receive their A level results.

TODAY is the most important day in their lives for hundreds of thousands of young people across Britain and thousands across Suffolk as they receive their A level results.

These results, coming after two years of very hard work, determine the immediate future for these youngsters - which college or university they will be heading to - and could have a huge bearing on their future lives.

So it is good to know that so many have passed with flying colours and will be able to take up the higher and further education options they are hoping for.

Despite all the controversies about tuition fees, more and more young people see a university education as vital to their futures.

And it is very good news that this year's A level students will have the opportunity to go to university here in Ipswich as UCS opens its doors for the first time in September.

There will, of course, be those who say that this year's results show that A levels are getting easier - but that should in no way detract from the achievement of the students collecting their results today.

They are only able to do the work that is set for them - and to just say the exams are easier than they were a generation ago undervalues their achievement considerably.

It is not unreasonable to suggest that as students and teachers improve their knowledge of the subjects that the exam results would improve in any case.

The improved results should be taken as a sign that students are getting better and working harder - certainly that is the experience of many teachers.

And for that reason, everyone involved in these great results deserves the warmest congratulations.