It is not easy at all, to get an A or A* . I have witnessed this first hand . The 'kids' today have it 'different' to us oldies , ( I, at first thought, it must be easier, given that they now have the internet, which we didn't ) It is far more competitive , it is not easy by any means . Id like to speak to anyone who has a recent 'A or A* ' who said it was a doddle . Im talking about the Comprehensive school system, not private, as I dont have experience of this .