Record A level top grades in England

Top A level results are up across England, but regional gaps and changes in student choices raise policy questions.

England records high A level grades despite regional gaps

England posted record top grades in this year’s A level exams. Among more than 1.1 million entries, 28.2% earned an A or A*, and 9.4% earned an A*. Ofqual says standards were maintained and points to a smaller pool of entrants this year, with fewer low‑achieving students.

Regional gaps persist. London is the top region, with 32.1% of entries at A* or A, while the north‑east stands at 22.9%. Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 28.3% of entries earned an A or A*, up 0.5 percentage points on last year. Wales saw a small dip from 29.9% to 29.5%. The number of 18‑year‑olds entering higher education rose to 255,130, up 4.7% from 2024. The share of top grades among males edged ahead of females in England, with 28.4% for men and 28.0% for women.

The results suggest the exam system remains durable while highlighting pressing regional disparities. Officials argue there is no inflation, citing a smaller, smarter cohort and strict marking, but gaps between regions point to policy questions about funding and opportunity. The shift in who earns the top grades, and the gap between London and the north‑east, could push policymakers to target resources at underperforming areas. A smaller cohort taking A levels may reflect changing student preferences or pathways, which universities will watch as they plan admissions and capacity. In short, the data tests the balance between maintaining standards and delivering equitable access across the country.

Highlights

Policy makers now face questions about funding and regional support in post‑16 education.