Thursday morning news briefing: Exam results will not be boosted

Raising grades 'would harm Generation Covid for life'

A-level students in England will today be given marks for subjects in which they did not sit exams. Instead, their grades have been calculated by a statistical model taking into account factors including their performance in earlier tests and results of previous exams at their schools. Critics have urged the Government to follow the example of Scotland, where students will receive grades predicted by their teachers before the coronavirus pandemic. But Education Secretary Gavin Williamson today warns that inflating the grades of the "Covid generation" risks devaluing their exam results and harming their career prospects. Read his article for The Telegraph in which he refuses to perform an about-turn. We examine the scenarios this unusual day could bring. And let Matt raise an exam-related smile with today's cartoon.

A-level results day can be stressful for all involved - parents, teachers and students alike. But this year has come with its own set of concerns. We asked experts to answer the 10 most common questions. For anyone hoping to study at Oxford or Cambridge, how do you know which of the 50 colleges is the best for your preferred course? Try our exclusive Oxbridge College League Table. And these are the options for any students who are left unhappy with their grades.

Investigation after worst rail crash for 16 years

An investigation is under way after three people died when a train hit a landslide and derailed in Aberdeenshire in what was Britain's deadliest rail disaster in 16 years. Experts are set to examine why the service was allowed to depart as scheduled yesterday following a night of thunderstorms and torrential rain. Aerial pictures and video showed a scene of devastation, with one carriage having careered down a steep embankment. The driver, named as 45-year-old Brett McCullough, died along with a conductor and passenger. Six people were taken to hospital.

'Tropical nights' survival guide for sweltering UK

Britain has sizzled through its hottest week since 1961 as temperatures reached 34C (93F) six days in a row for the first time in 60 years. Despite thunderstorm alerts issued for almost the whole of the UK in the coming days, the nation could still face many more "tropical nights" (where the temperature does not drop below 20C). We asked a series of experts how best to sleep through them - and stay focused the next day.

At a glance: More coronavirus headlines

• Deaths | Almost 10 per cent 'were not related to Covid-19'

• Analysis | Statistical quirk that means epidemic may never end

• App | Scaled-back version of delayed system to be revealed

• Vaccine | Andrew Lloyd Webber taking part in Oxford trial

• Quarantine | Chef who broke rules to buy water fined £2,000

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Not 'match fit' | Britain resembles a cricketer who has not played in 30 years taking the field in the Ashes as it tries to negotiate trade deals, New Zealand's deputy prime minister said. Winston Peters' country has blamed the UK for slow progress towards a free trade deal and accused it of not being "match fit" for international negotiations. Brussels Correspondent James Crisp explains how officials are racing to finalise as many deals as possible before the end of the Brexit transition period.

• Cancer | Breast screening from 40 may save hundreds of lives

• Migrants | Sending Navy into Channel an 'act of maritime war'

• Podcast | Boris Johnson not really a Conservative, says Farage

• AirPods 3 | Apple earphones will go quiet near traffic

• TV | Our reviewers on Diana: Her Last Summer - and more

Around the world: Tidy-up in city without leaders

A picture taken with a drone shows a capsized ship four days after deadly explosions that hit Beirut port. Read Campbell MacDiarmid's dispatch from the Lebanese capital where volunteers have started rebuilding - filling the void of an absent government. And view a gallery of pictures showing how the ancient city was ripped apart.

Comment and analysis

• Allister Heath | Sweden shows cost of our failed establishment

• Anneliese Dodds | Let employers reduce workers' hours

• Shane Watson | Harry's friends who fall by the wayside

• Ben Lawrence | Why the BBC should finally retire Radio 1

• Reader letters | Folly of a nationwide lockdown laid bare

Editor's choice: Features and arts

1. The Santa Barbara set | Inside the glamorous world Harry and Meghan now call home

2. The Forgotten Army | My lost letter from the father I never knew

3. Staycations | The hidden secrets of England's most underrated county

Business and money briefing

Economic outlook | The UK has ended up in a super-league of its own, with the highest level of excess deaths in Europe and the deepest economic contraction as well. Ambrose Evans-Pritchard writes that it is the worst failure of British state policy in his lifetime - and argues that it is time to go for growth before Covid destroys the economy.

• Property market | Estate agents warn of 'boom followed by bust'

• Investment tip | German property trust handles challenges adroitly

• Alex cartoon | See our cartoonist's latest work on world of finance

Sport briefing

Cricket | James Anderson is poised to play for England in the second Test against Pakistan starting today. He has taken only six wickets at 41 apiece in three Tests this summer, being outshone by Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes. But captain Joe Root backed him to return to his best - declaring that those who question him "do that at your peril".

• Rugby Union | Players 'hung out to dry' on BLM protests

• Atalanta 1 Paris Saint-Germain 2 | Stunning fightback

• Football | Twitter deletes provocative Phil Jones tweet  

Tonight's dinner

Shaved carrot, shiitake, spinach and noodle salad | A quick and easy dish by Diana Henry that is packed with veggies - inspired by Japanese flavours. Read the recipe. For more inspiration, try our Cookbook newsletter.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Proud at Pride | Every year, Margate Pride has grown bigger, brighter and bolder. This year was always going to be different. Local resident Anna Hart explains how the arts-led event managed to take place this year - without the parade or party.