A-Level Results 2026: Key Insights & Trends for UK Schools

A-Level Results Day 2026 has arrived, bringing with it a new set of national results, success stories and valuable insight into the performance of students across the UK.

As your trusted education partner, we’ve prepared this report to provide an early overview of the key national trends, performance highlights and what this year’s results could mean for schools and colleges as they look ahead to the new academic year.

📊 Headline Figures

Here are some of the key figures from this year’s A-Level results:

• Overall pass rate (A–E) in England: 97.5% – unchanged from 97.5% in 2025
• A and A* grades in England: 28.7% – compared with 28.2% in 2025
• A and A* grades in Wales: 29.6% – compared with 29.5% in 2025
• A and A* grades in Northern Ireland: 30.7% – compared with 30.4% in 2025
• A grades in England: 9.7% – compared with 9.4% in 2025
• A-Level entries: 906,425 – up 2.7% from 2025

This year’s results show a broadly stable picture, with the overall A*–E pass rate remaining unchanged while the proportion of students achieving the highest grades has continued to increase. Across the UK, 28.5% of A-Level entries were awarded an A or A*, up from 28.3% in 2025.

In England, 28.7% of entries achieved A or A*, while Wales recorded 29.6% and Northern Ireland 30.7%. The proportion achieving an A* in England also increased from 9.4% to 9.7%.

With A-Level entries increasing to more than 900,000 for the first time, this year’s results provide an important snapshot of student performance and offer schools an opportunity to reflect on their own outcomes against the national picture.

This year’s results provide an important snapshot of how students are performing across different parts of the UK and offer schools an opportunity to reflect on their own outcomes against the national picture.

🎓 University Admissions & Student Destinations

For many students, A-Level Results Day marks the beginning of the next stage of their education journey.

In 2026, 262,820 18-year-olds have secured university places, up 3% from 2025. Overall, 446,690 students have been accepted onto degree courses, an increase from 439,180 in 2025. 228,990 students have secured their first-choice university place.

For those who haven’t received the grades they hoped for, Clearing remains an important option, providing students with the opportunity to explore alternative courses and universities. While university remains an important route for many students, A-Level results also mark the beginning of a range of different pathways, including apprenticeships, employment, further education and vocational training. Please feel free to share our website & resources with your pupils.

📈 What Do This Year’s Results Mean for Schools?

As schools and colleges review their 2026 outcomes, the national results provide a useful benchmark against which to assess their own performance.

Schools may want to consider:

• Benchmarking: How do your results compare with national and regional averages?
• Subject performance: Which subjects have performed particularly well, and where could further support be beneficial?
• Student outcomes: Are there noticeable differences between different groups of students?
• Curriculum planning: Are changing subject preferences likely to affect future staffing and curriculum requirements?
• Post-results support: What additional support may students need as they consider university, Clearing, apprenticeships or employment?

📈 Supporting Your School Post-Results Day

At Prospero Teaching, we understand that successful student outcomes rely on the dedication of teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and wider school teams.

As schools begin preparing for the new academic year, having the right people in place for September remains essential.

Whether you’re looking for qualified teachers, teaching assistants, SEN specialists, tutors or wider education support staff, our recruitment teams can help you find the right candidates for your school’s needs.

Sources: GOV.uk JCQ Exam Results Data UCAS Results Day 2026