Students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have this year achieved record-level university placements, and top grades are also up compared with 2024 figures.
Record Number of First-Choice University Places
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has reported that 82% of UK 18-year-olds awaiting decisions secured their chosen university place. That’s the same percentage as last year, yet overall numbers have hit a record high.
255,130 UK 18-year-old candidates were admitted, representing a 4.7 percent increase from 2024. Overall, 439,180 students have received degree course places. UCAS also stated that approximately 27,000 courses remain available through Clearing.
Rise in Top A-Level Grades
JCQ statistics show that of all A-level entries in the UK, 28.3 percent achieved an A* or A grade. This is a rise since 2024, which recorded 27.8 percent, and is even above 2019, which recorded 25.4 percent.
This year, the proportion of A* increased only slightly to 9.4 percent, in comparison to 9.3 percent last year and 7.7 percent in 2019. The A\* to E pass rate stands at 97.5 percent, compared to 2024, and is up slightly.
Regional Differences in Results
Gaps between regional performance have increased. 32.1 percent of A\* or A grades were achieved by London, compared with 22.9 percent for the Northeast. The 9.2 percentage point gap is the largest since the grading system now in place began in 2010.
Only the Northeast and West Midlands experienced a fall in the number of top grades from last year. The Northeast is also the only area performing lower than pre-pandemic standards for A\* and A grades.
Rise in International Student Enrollments
International university admissions have risen to 52,640, compared with 51,170 in 2024. Chinese students recorded the biggest rise, with 12,380 offers, a 13 percent increase on last year.
UCAS confirmed overseas admissions growth demonstrates rising global demand for UK higher education places. Clearing is still available to international students, and guidance is offered online and by phone.
Student Experiences on Results Day
Students from Devon and Cornwall were among the several students who were celebrating. Exeter College’s Ben achieved an A in law and two A’s, whilst Launceston College’s Megan achieved an A* and two A’s, but changed her mind and reapplied through clearing for biomedical science.
Charlotte Lancaster at Launceston College achieved four A’s, referring to the past two years as ones spent studying non-stop. Phoebe was elated at receiving her top choice at university after achieving two A’s and an A.
Quotes of Education Leaders
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson assured that the figures represent a consistent achievement in the education sector following pandemic years. UCAS Chief Executive Jo Saxon remarked on the resilience of students whose secondary education was cut short when they were 13.
The University of Plymouth has confirmed its clearing phone lines are available and is offering places to new applicants. Vice-Chancellor Richard Davies encouraged students to consider alternative courses if they’ve had a change of mind or performed better than anticipated.
Gender Performance Trends
Boys, for the first time in 7 years, were able to perform better than girls in getting the highest grades. Entries to A* or A were 28.4 percent and 28.2 percent for boys and girls, respectively.
It is also a small difference, but it indicates that there is a change to recent trends in A-level performance. The JCQ statistics prove that there are better outcomes for both male and female students than those of the previous year, 2019, before the pandemic.
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Final Thoughts
A-level results this year are the highest percentage of top grades since the pandemic years, with a record high for university admissions. Except for regional variations, the overall picture is an improvement in the UK education system.
