Hundreds of thousands of young people across England are
celebrating their A Level, T Level and Vocational Technical
Qualifications (VTQ) results today as the Education Secretary
thanked teachers and congratulated students.
It comes as 32.1% of all English 18-year-olds have been accepted
into university with 75.7% of applicants being accepted into
their first choice university up from 71.6% in 2023 and 74.5% in
2019. The gap between the most and least disadvantaged
18-year-olds in England has widened as has the gap in regional
entry rates.
This year results also show that
- 27.8% of UK entries for A levels achieved a grade A and
above, higher than in 2023.
- 76.4% of UK entries achieved a grade C and above, higher than
2023.
- 7,380 T Level students received their results today- over
twice as many as last year - as the third cohort completed the
high-quality technical qualification with 88.7% achieving a pass
or above.
- Almost 250,000 certificates were awarded for those completing
their Level 3 vocational and technical
qualifications.
- 25.3% of 18-year-olds from the North East have secured a
university place on results day compared to 42.5% of 18-year-olds
from London. This gap is now 17.2ppts, which is worse than
15.3ppts in 2023 and 10.5ppts in 2019.
Education Secretary, said:
“Students should be incredibly proud of their hard work over the
last two years and their achievements today – I know many will be
planning their next step, whether that's university, venturing
into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship.
“I want to thank our wonderful teachers and staff right across
the country who have worked tirelessly to support those getting
their results under really challenging circumstances.
“This government is committed to breaking down barriers to make
sure that all young people, wherever they are from, have the
knowledge and skills to seize opportunity.”
The figures today show that regional disparities are still a
concern as the gap between the highest and lowest performing
regions has grown since 2023, with London having 31.3% of grades
at A or above and East Midlands only 22.5%.
Independent schools also continue to have the highest proportion
of A grades and above and have again seen large increases this
year.
As a first step to tackling these entrenched inequalities, the
government has pledged to recruit 6,500 new teachers with
the expansion of the flagship teacher recruitment campaign,
getting more teachers into shortage subjects and supporting
regions that face the largest recruitment challenges.
A review of the curriculum and assessment had also been launched
to drive high and rising standards for all pupils and tackle the
barriers which hold them back, particularly those with SEND or
from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sir has also been appointed to
advise the government on school standards focusing on finding
solutions to the biggest barriers to opportunity for children,
including teacher shortages and high absence rates.
The Education Secretary is also co-chairing a taskforce to tackle
child poverty because of the wide-reaching implications the
scourge of poverty has. The government will also provide free
breakfast clubs and improved mental health support to help the
children who need it most to not only be in school, but
achieve.
If students have not received the grades they were hoping for or
have not made up their mind yet, UCAS reported there were just
under 30,000 courses available through clearing, as of
this morning, many of which are at the most selective
universities.
Students can also call the National Careers Service on 0800 100
900 for advice on their next steps.
There are also a wide range of alternative options available
including degree apprenticeships or higher technical
qualifications that offer young people the chance to gain the
skills they need to build successful careers.
For more information and to explore all the other exciting
options available to young people go to: Skills for Careers
(education.gov.uk)
