A Level results are out today
Hundreds of thousands of pupils are due to find out their A-level results
Hundreds of thousands of school and college leavers are waking up to their long-awaited A-Level results this morning, with more than a quarter expected to get the top grades.
Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will then be able to decide whether to continue on to university, an apprenticeship or go into work.
Pupils in England will also receive results for T-levels, which were launched to provide high-quality technical alternatives to A-levels.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Today is a time for celebration as young people up and down the country collect their exam results. Whether A-Levels, T-Levels or technical and vocational qualifications, I wish everyone the very best of luck, and offer my heartfelt thanks to the fantastic teachers, staff and parents who’ve supported them to this milestone.
“With great options from degree apprenticeships and high-quality technical qualifications to traditional university routes, we are giving young people the tools they need to get great jobs, fill talent gaps, and help drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
For many students, receiving their exam results on Thursday will also bring confirmation of university places.
Last week, Jo Saxton, head of Ucas, suggested a record number of 18-year-olds could be successful in securing their first-choice university on results day.
British universities are keen to recruit UK students because there is more “uncertainty” around international students, she suggested.
Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers.
But prospective students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and also those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing.
Last year, 27.8% of UK A-level entries were awarded an A or A* grade – the highest proportion outside the pandemic-affected years of 2020-22.
The Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in top A-level grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.
Speaking on A-level results day, Ms Phillipson said: “Every young person should have the opportunity to achieve and thrive.
“This Government won’t stand by and accept the entrenched inequalities that continue to blight the life chances of too many young people, especially those from white working class backgrounds who have long been overlooked.
“We’re already taking decisive action and making encouraging progress.”
Students who are receiving their A-level and level 3 vocational and technical qualification results were in Year 8 when schools closed because of the pandemic.
Kevin Latham, research and policy manager at the Sutton Trust social mobility charity, told PA: “Year 8 is a crucial time in educational and social development, and the effects of school closures during lockdown are ongoing.”
He said he would be “surprised” if there is significant improvement in attainment gaps between the South East and North East of England.
“By the time students get to their A-levels, years of disadvantage are already baked in for pupils in areas of high deprivation,” Mr Latham said.
Sir Ian Bauckham, chief regulator at Ofqual, England’s exams regulator, said: “Ahead of students receiving their results we would like to recognise the valuable contributions made by their teachers who have put so much work into getting students to this important day.
“Exam results can change people’s lives, and underpinning these defining moments is a well-regulated system of widely recognised and valued assessments and qualifications.”
Scotland has a different qualification system and students received their results on Tuesday last week.