has meant record numbers of students getting top marks. the regulator, quual, is hoping the return of exams will bring results back to pre pandemic levels. what happened in the last two years, these weren t exams. we are going to beensuring the safety net makes sure that there are more higher grades issued than were issued in the last time that exams were sat. exams will also take place in wales, scotland and northern ireland next year, with reduced course content. in deciding how pupils are assessed there are no easy answers. the challenge will be ensuring fairness. elaine dunkley, bbc news. our top story this lunchtime: the police officer who kidnapped and murdered is everard is given a whole life tariff. he will never be released from prison. still to come on the programme, the mental health of children and young people hasn t