The Education Secretary has said the Government will pay for all appeals against downgraded A-level results as thousands of students have missed out on their first choice universities.

Gavin Williamson was under pressure from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to cover the fees, which can cost £100 or £150 per exam.

As exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, grades were instead awarded using a modelling system based partly on schools’ previous results, leaving many families bitterly disappointed.

More to follow.