Five key takeaways from results day 2026

1. A-level, T-level, and BTEC results have risen for the third consecutive year in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The proportion of top grades (A* and A) has increased slightly, but it is still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

2. More than 40% of 18-year-olds in England received A-levels, and a record number of students have been accepted into university, with a significant rise in acceptances to highly selective institutions like those in the Russell Group.

3. Despite the increasing number of university acceptances, the actual percentage of students getting into their first choice of university has slightly decreased. Many universities are experiencing financial difficulties due to a freeze in domestic tuition fees and a decline in international student numbers.

4. Teenagers are facing high costs associated with university and concerns about long-term student loan debt. However, the percentage of UK 18-year-olds applying to university has remained stable, and many are using Clearing to find more affordable courses closer to home.

5. Regional disparities in A-level results have widened, with London having the highest percentage of A* and A grades (32.7%) compared to the lowest-performing regions in the North East and East Midlands (23.1%). These gaps have increased since the introduction of the A* grade in 2010.