Thousands of students across Wales receive A-Level results
It follows a drop in the proportion of top A-level grades awarded to students in Wales in 2024.
Last year, the figure of entries awarded A or A* in Wales dropped from 34% in 2023 to 29.9%, though it was still above the 2019 pre-pandemic figure of 26.5%.
The A-level pass rate in Wales, for entries awarded A*-E, was 97.4% last year, slightly down from 97.5% in 2023 and 97.6% in 2019.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, exam regulators returned to pre-pandemic grading in 2024 – a year later than in England.
The Covid-19 pandemic saw an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.
Results can be shared with students from 8am, but arrangements vary depending on the school or college.
Results for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and some vocational qualifications, including BTecs, will also be released on Thursday.
Last week, Jo Saxton, head of Ucas, suggested a record number of 18-year-olds could be successful in securing their first-choice university on results day.
British universities are keen to recruit UK students because there is more 'uncertainty' around international students, she suggested.
Clearing is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day, as well as those who did not receive any offers.
But prospective students who have changed their mind about what or where they wish to study, and also those who have applied outside the normal application window, can also use clearing.
Scotland has a different qualification system and students received their results on Tuesday last week.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
an hour ago
- Western Telegraph
Saundersfoot war veteran honoured by First Minister
Duncan Hilling, 99, from Saundersfoot, was honoured by First Minister Eluned Morgan during Wales' VJ Day commemorations with a letter recognising his service during the Second World War. Mr Hilling served in India, Japan and Malaya after joining the RAF in April 1944, later transferring to the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was among the first British troops to enter Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the atomic bombings in August 1945. Mr Hilling said: "I went out to Japan and spent a year there, it was a fascinating country. "We arrived before any other troops, we went to Hiroshima and the horrors of the atomic bomb were still there, it was hideous. "We asked people what they remembered about the bomb, and they couldn't remember anything, just a flash. "To me it was horrible, my comrades, six of us, felt the same. "I don't think people can ever understand what it was like. "Let's hope to goodness it never happens again." He was one of 11 siblings, seven of whom also served during the war. All survived. He added: "I was absolutely amazed by the First Minister coming to see me and giving me a letter of thanks. "I think of all the boys who were in Japan with me, nearly all of them gone now as I am nearly 100." The tribute was presented as part of Wales' commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. VJ Day is observed on August 15 and honours those who served in the Asia-Pacific campaign. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "It is a privilege to personally thank Mr Hilling for his incredible service and sacrifice. "His experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the true cost of war and the courage of those who served in Asia-Pacific. "On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we honour all veterans like Mr Hilling who helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today." Mr Hilling's story was one of many shared for this year's VJ Day events, which included commemorations across Wales to remember those who served and fell in the Far East.
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
The 17 UK universities with the highest entry standards
Many of this year's secondary school leavers will now be turning their eyes towards university – and will likely be considering which one will be the best choice that their grades allow them. Students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland finally received their A Levels results this week, while their Scottish counterparts found out how they did in their Highers qualifications earlier in the month. Those with university aspirations will have also found out whether they have met the requirements for any conditional university offers they had waiting – while others will now be navigating the Clearing process. With this in mind, we've taken a look at the UK universities with the highest entry standards for new students, according to the Complete University Guide's new 2026 league table. This comprehensive annual ranking compares some 130 universities across the country across a variety of metrics, including the proportion of students who stay on after their first year, student satisfaction ratings, research quality, student-to-staff ratio, and more. It also compares universities based on the average of the total number of UCAS tariff points held by new undergraduate students entering the university, using the most recent available data - currently for the 2022/23 academic year. These are points awarded based on the different qualifications and grades a prospective student has earned, which allow candidates' performances to be compared even if they sat different qualifications. The Complete University Guide says in its guidance that it ranks them this way because it's a more accurate reflection of a university's academic standards than average entry requirements. 'Two universities may have similar entry requirements, but the students taking the places may well have exceeded those requirements.' Many of the universities on this list still have spots available via Clearing, so are well worth considering for students who achieved excellent grades on results day. A lot of universities in Scotland ranked particularly highly, although prospective students shouldn't let this put them off – Scottish students often earn more UCAS tariff points overall due to the way their secondary school qualification system is structured. Our list only includes universities where the average UCAS tariff points of the students they accepted as undergraduates exceeded 170. Here were the 17 UK universities that topped the entry standards chart: 1 . University of St Andrews This prestigious Scottish university is based in St Andrews, Fife, and came in 4th overall in the Complete University Guide's 2026 ranking. The average UCAS tariff score of all new students entering the university was 215, the Guide said, from the most recent data available. | Peter Thompson/Photo Sales 2 . University of Glasgow Another well-regarded Scottish institution, Glasgow's namesake university is next. It came in 31st in the overall national ranking. According to the Complete University Guide, the average UCAS tariff score of all new students entering the university was also 215. | Google Photo Sales 3 . University of Cambridge One half of the acclaimed Oxbridge duo, this well-known university in Cambridge, in the East of England, ranked 1st in the overall national ranking. According to the Complete University Guide, the average UCAS tariff score of all new students entering the university was 206. | JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . University of Strathclyde The University of Strathclyde is also based in Glasgow, Scotland. It came in 38th in the overall national ranking. According to the Complete University Guide, the average UCAS tariff score of all new students entering the university was 203. | Adobe Stock Photo Sales Related topics: UniversitiesStudentsClearingBoost
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scots dad drowns in Turkey after he's 'found motionless' during family boat trip
John Nelson's body was pulled from the water near Marmaris but sadly he could not be saved. A Scots dad has drowned in Turkey while on holiday with his family. John Nelson, 47, tragically died on July 31 after he was found motionless in the water off the coast of Turnuc, near Marmaris. The Arbroath man was on holiday with his son Josh and his girlfriend Sharon Stuart when the tragedy unfolded. Sailors from other boats pulled him from the water and he was transferred to the care of paramedics by the coastguard but could not be saved. According to local media reports, Turkish police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Paying tribute to his dad online, Josh said: "While we were away on a family holiday, my dad's life was tragically taken in an accident at sea. "It's a loss that has shaken my whole world and one I'm still struggling to put into words. "My dad was my role model, my biggest supporter and my best friend. We shared so many laughs, deep conversations and special moments together. "Over the last few years, I watched him transform his health, overcome many obstacles and push through some of life's biggest struggles. "He came out stronger, happier and more full of life than ever before. He truly cherished every day he was given." An online fundraiser set up by Josh added: "Many of you know me from Impact Carnoustie, where I work as a personal trainer. My work and community mean so much to me and it's hard to step away at a time like this - but my family and I are now facing the difficult task of arranging the funeral and covering the costs. "I've set up a fundraiser to help us during this heartbreaking time. Any donation, no matter the amount, would mean the world to us. If you're unable to donate, sharing this would be an incredible help. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love, kindness and support you've shown me and my family." A tribute from John's partner Sharon added: We are totally heartbroken to announce the passing of John Nelson, whose life was tragically taken away at sea during our first family holiday in Turkey. "We are lost for words and devastated. John had turned his life around for the better. "We were so proud off him and we're just so grateful he got the chance to spent this last time on holiday with his son Josh, living his best life. "Our lives will never be the same without him." A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We have not been approached for assistance on this case, but our staff stand ready to assist British nationals overseas 24/7."
