The arguments as to whether school exams at all levels are becoming too easy is not only boring but irrelevant.

Year in and year out the same comments are trotted out as to the pros and cons of the difficulty of the tests. What is for certain is that many of the comments should be regarded as downright rude and an insult to students and teachers alike.

The results reflect the amount of work they have put in and the skills of their teachers, plus the back-up from family and friends.

Surely the record pass levels indicate one of two basic issues Firstly that the exams are not as challenging as they were two or three decades ago. Or, secondly, which is the more than likely reason, is that the seats of learning are getting better at teaching the ability to pass exams. Discuss.

As the old adage about driving instructors goes -- pupils are being taught to pass the test, not just learning to drive. That skill takes a great deal of experience.

The exam process is necessary -- especially A-levels -- to help universities and colleges to pick out the more gifted from the run-of-the-mill.

The same thought process applies to prospective employers. What is becoming more difficult for employers to do is work out from the plethora of different types of exams, subjects and grades, just what is the value of the results.

In fact, a number of bosses have raised concerns about levels of spelling and maths and are making final decisions based on abilities in those basic skill areas. They are, in fact, one of the only measures of competence which have remained stable over the years.

There's no doubt the debate will go on, and as long as it is constructive there's nothing wrong with that.

As for the students, success is a personal issue. They must decide for themselves what being rich and fulfilled means. The best choice in life they could make at this stage is to be happy.