A-Level top grades exceed pre-pandemic levels

The A-Level results of students across the UK will be released today (15 August). 

Education secretary Bridget Phillpson said: “Students up and down the country should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. I want congratulate them all and to send my thanks to all the fantastic teachers and staff who have shown such dedication in supporting young people to reach this stage.   

She added that young people deserve "enormous credit" for what they have achieved, in the face of both the huge disruption of recent years, and in too many cases the inequality that goes hand in hand with young people’s backgrounds. 

Phillipson said: “I hope young people everywhere can celebrate their results and look forward to their next step – be that university, an apprenticeship or beginning their careers.”

Around 16,000 fewer top grades are expected to be awarded today – bringing the grading back to levels seen in 2019, the year before the pandemic.

The number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has risen this year, Ucas figures show.

A total of 425,680 applicants (of all ages and domiciles) have gained a place at university or college – up three per cent on the same point last year, according to data published by the university admissions service.

As well as this, the proportion of A* grades has increased eight per cent on last year – equating to a 20 per cent rise since pre-pandemic 2019.

In Wales, social partnership minister Jack Sargeant was keen to ensure that young people across Wales understand the options and support available, particularly those not set to stay in education.

He said: "Whilst for many, remaining in full-time academia as a means to progressing into fulfilling future roles is preferable and valuable, it’s far from the lived-in reality or the preferred option for the majority of young people leaving school.

"The world of work can be daunting, but for me like thousands of others across Wales, the power of earning whilst learning, or the numerous other avenues available to our young people can help provide the springboard to a successful career."