A-Level Results 2026: Record 262,820 Students Secure University Places as A* Grades Rise
A-Level Results Day 2026 has delivered record university admissions and a rise in the proportion of students receiving the highest grades across the UK.
Figures released on Thursday, August 13, show that a record 262,820 UK 18-year-olds have secured a university or college place. That represents a three percent increase from 255,130 students at the same stage last year.
In England, 9.7 percent of A-level entries received an A*, the highest proportion recorded outside the pandemic years. Across the results, 28.5 percent of entries were awarded an A or A*, although major regional differences remain.
London recorded the highest proportion of top grades in England at 32.7 percent. The North East and East Midlands recorded 23.1 percent, creating a record regional gap. Northern Ireland led the UK nations, with 30.7 percent of entries awarded an A or A*.
Mathematics remained the most popular A-level subject, while economics entered the five most popular subjects for the first time following another sharp increase in entries.
Students who did not meet the conditions of their original offers can now check available courses through UCAS Clearing. Applicants should first review their status in the UCAS Hub before contacting universities with vacancies.
Individual A-level grade boundaries have also been published by exam boards, including AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR. Boundaries vary by subject, paper and examination board, meaning students should check the official document for their exact qualification.
