A-level results day 2025 LIVE: Record number get into 1st choice uni, plus how UCAS Clearing works
Last year in the UK, 27.8 per cent earned top grades of A or A*, up from 27.2 per cent in 2023.
The majority of schools have opened their doors from 8am to 11am - but it's advisable to check your school's website or social media.
It can, however, take up to 24 hours for places to be confirmed at certain universities.
Many students who don't meet the required Ucas points for their top choices will then face a frantic race for places through clearing until October 20.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below....
5 minutes ago By Ethan Singh
Phillipson pledges to close attainment gap
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has said she will not 'stand by and accept the entrenched inequalities' that blight the life chances of many young people.
The government's plans for turning around the attainment gap between white working-class children and their peers will be set out in the autumn.
Pupils who are receiving their A-level and level 3 vocational and technical qualification results were in Year 8 when schools closed because of the pandemic.
This cohort of school and college leavers received their GCSE results in 2023, the first year that grading was returned to pre-pandemic levels in England.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, exam regulators returned to pre-pandemic grading in 2024, a year later than in England.
17 minutes ago By Ethan Singh
Clarkson speaks out
Jeremy Clarkson has penned a tweet to students who may not have achieved what they wanted this morning.
He wrote: "If your A level results are disappointing, don't worry.
"I got a C and two Us and here I am today, installing lights for a helicopter landing pad in my garden."
Clarkson has sought to reassure A-level teens with an annual tweet about how his life worked out despite getting poor grades.
28 minutes ago By Ethan Singh
Students opening results
Thousands of students across the country have began opening their results.
Months of hard work have now come down to this nail-biting moment as teenagers look to see what they have achieved.
Record numbers have secured their first-choice university places this year, according to UCAS.
Students receive their A-level results at The Latimers Arts College in Barton Seagrave, Northamptonshire. Picture date: Thursday August 14, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire
By Douglas Simpson
What if students don't get into their first choice university?
Prospective undergraduates who don't get into their first choice of university can use clearing to get onto other courses.
Clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled and is available to students who do not meet the conditions of their offer on A-level results day.
Students who did not receive any offers can also use clearing to find a place at university.
Any students who may have changed their minds about what to study and those who applied outside the normal application window can use clearing as well.
Today, 07:45 By Douglas Simpson
Record number of students could be successful in securing university places
For many students, receiving their exam results today will also bring confirmation of university places.
For others, their grades will help them progress to an apprenticeship or work.
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.
Today, 06:39 By Douglas Simpson
What grades can students expect ?
Last year, 27.8% of UK A-level entries were awarded an A or A* grade, this was the highest proportion of entries scoring top grades outside of the pandemic-affected years of 2020-22.
Only 25.4% of entries were awarded A or A* grades in 2019 - the last year exams were taken before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in top A-level grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.
Today, 06:22 By Douglas Simpson
What time will grades be released?
School and college leavers will receive their A-level and AS grades today with students eagerly awaiting their results.
Most will be able to find out what they've achieved from 8am.
Schools will usually stay open until around 11am for anyone arriving later.
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