A-level results day 2025: Map and charts reveal A* hotspots, the toughest subjects and the huge gap between private and state schools
A-level A* and A rate by county and subject: 2025
This map shows the percentage of pupils who earned the top A* or A grades at A-level in every county in England.
You can chose a county by hovering over it or using the search bar.
The map's default view is for all subjects, but it can be filtered by individual subject.
For a more detailed breakdown, including historic results by county and your chosen tap or click on a map area, or type in the 'Search county...' box.
A-level results by subject: 2008–25
The chart below shows the the percentage of pupils who achieved each grade – A* to U – in England for each year between 2008 and 2025.
You can select the results for each subject, such as maths, English or physics, to see how well students did.
A-level results by gender: 2008–25
The below line graphs show what percentage of male and female pupils earned an A or above and C or above from 2008 to 2025.
As with all of our charts, it can be filtered by subject.
A-level subject popularity: 2008–25
The graph below shows how many entries there have been into each A-level subject from 2008 to 2025.
You can select up to five subjects at once to compare which ones are the most popular and how they have changed over time.
More A-level results day charts
We have a selection of more charts below, including the results this year vs last, how results compare across the UK nations (excluding Scotland where pupils sit Highers, not A-levels), and the number of pupils accepted onto their first choice university course.
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Daily Mail
2 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
King Charles uses six-minute VJ Day address to send stark warning about 'war's true cost' on 80th anniversary since the end of World War Two
The King has hailed the 'courage and camaraderie' of heroes who fought in the Pacific and Far East in 'humanity's darkest hour' as 'a flame that shall blaze for eternity' on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Charles also significantly acknowledged the devastation caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which led to Japan 's surrender, describing the 'immense price' on its citizens as one 'we pray no nation need ever pay again'. His reflection on the nuclear attacks, which paved the way for the end of the Second World War, comes at a time of increased concern about the global threat of nuclear conflict. In an audio message to the nation, realms and Commonwealth, the King spoke of the horrors faced by allied prisoners of war 'who endured years of brutal captivity: the starvation, disease and cruelty that tested the very limits of human endurance', and the 'mental and physical scars' the war left on those who survived. And he vowed the service and sacrifice of VJ Day heroes 'shall never be forgotten', telling their families and the 'sadly dwindling band of veterans': 'Please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity's darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity - a beacon that honours our past and guides our future.' The King, in what is believed to be the most direct reference by a British monarch to the suffering in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, said it was right to pause and acknowledge the impact of the 'war's final act' on the people of the Japanese cities. 'Innocent civilian populations of occupied territories faced grievous hardships, too,' he said in the broadcast released at 7.30am today. 'Their experience reminds us that war's true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life - a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today. 'On this landmark anniversary, we should also pause to acknowledge that in the war's final act, an immense price was paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - a price we pray no nation need ever pay again.' He added: 'But in recalling so much suffering, we must not lose sight of how great was the cause and how sweet the victory.' VJ Day on August 15 marks the anniversary of the end of the six-year-long war. Much of the celebration in 1945 focused on VE (Victory in Europe) Day in May, with those who served in the Far East labelled The Forgotten Army. The King's six-minute address was broadcast ahead of a national service of remembrance due to be attended by Charles, the Queen and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Also there as guests of honour will be 33 veterans aged from 96 to 105, who served in the Far East and Pacific. A national two-minute silence will be held at noon and the Red Arrows will join historic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft for flypast over the commemorations. By 1945, some 365,000 British and 1.5 million Commonwealth troops had been deployed across Asia and the Pacific. More than 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan, and nearly 30,000 died, while more than 12,000 Britons were among the 190,000 Commonwealth troops held as Prisoners of War by the Japanese. Of the Allied forces, the US suffered the greatest losses, with more than 100,000 killed in action. In Hiroshima and Nagasaki, more than 200,000 people were killed by the US bombs and in the months after succumbing to radiation sickness, the effects of burns and other serious injuries. The King described the 80th anniversary as a day of 'profound remembrance' and said of his grandfather King George's VI's 'The war is ended' audio broadcast at the time: 'Seldom can a simple message have resonated with such a potent mix of relief, celebration, and sorrow for those who never lived to see the glow of freedom's new dawn.' He also painted a vivid picture of when 'high above those monsoon-lashed jungles, allied pilots displayed their own fearless bravery, flying fighters, bombers and transport aircraft into enemy fire and nature's fury'. The speech made no mention of the King's father Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, who was in Tokyo Bay on board the destroyer HMS Whelp, a warship he served on as second-in-command, when Japanese officials formally signed the surrender on the USS Missouri on September 2 1945. But Charles paid tribute to his mentor and great uncle Earl Mountbatten, who oversaw the defeat of the Japanese offensive towards India as Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Command. He recalled how Lord Mountbatten taught him about the 'horrors and heroism' of the conflict. The King said: 'The war in South East Asia had reached its climax under the leadership of my great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, from whom I learned so much about the particular horrors and heroism witnessed in those furthest fields of combat. 'The forces aligned under him comprised over one million men and women, drawn from many different countries, religions and communities, but united by common purpose and indomitable spirit.' Charles said he was aware of the 'mental and physical scars' the conflict left on those who survived. 'Twenty-Nine Victoria Crosses bear eloquent testimony to their valour, but I know full well of the toll it took on so many - measured not only in gravestones, but in the mental and physical scars of those who survived,' he said. He also cited the collaboration across faiths and cultural divides, saying: 'Together they proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link. 'That remains a vital lesson for our times.' The King's six-minute message in full For the millions of families gathered around their wireless sets, and for their loved ones still serving far from home, it was the message a battle-weary world had long prayed for. 'The war is over', declared my Grandfather, King George VI, in his address to the nation and Commonwealth on V.J. Day eighty years ago today – four short words after six long years of bloodshed, fear and suffering. Seldom can a simple message have resonated with such a potent mix of relief, celebration, and sorrow for those who never lived to see the glow of freedom's new dawn. On this day of profound remembrance, I speak to you in that same spirit of commemoration and celebration as we honour anew all those whose service and sacrifice saw the forces of liberty prevail. While that final victory in The Pacific was achieved under the strategic command of our steadfast American allies, the war in South East Asia had reached its climax under the leadership of my great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, from whom I learned so much about the particular horrors and heroism witnessed in those furthest fields of combat. The forces aligned under him comprised over one million men and women, drawn from many different countries, religions and communities, but united by common purpose and indomitable spirit. Twenty-Nine Victoria Crosses bear eloquent testimony to their valour, but I know full well of the toll it took on so many - measured not only in gravestones, but in the mental and physical scars of those who survived. Despite the unyielding support of their devoted battlefield commander, General William Slim, the forces on the ground sometimes considered themselves 'the Forgotten Army'. But, as Patron of the now Burma Star Memorial Fund, and having attended one of the great Burma Star Reunions at the Albert Hall with Lord Mountbatten when the Hall was filled with thousands of bemedalled veterans, it has been my privilege to reassure the remaining veterans that they and their fallen comrades shall never be forgotten. Nor are they alone in our thoughts today for, high above those monsoon-lashed jungles Allied pilots displayed their own fearless bravery, flying fighters, bombers and transport aircraft into enemy fire and Nature's fury. We recall, too, the prisoners of war who endured years of brutal captivity: the starvation, disease and cruelty that tested the very limits of human endurance. Innocent civilian populations of occupied territories faced grievous hardships, too. Their experience reminds us that war's true cost extends beyond battlefields, touching every aspect of life – a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today. On this landmark anniversary, we should also pause to acknowledge that in the war's final act, an immense price was paid by the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – a price we pray no nation need ever pay again. But in recalling so much suffering, we must not lose sight of how great was the cause and how sweet the victory. For those heroes of V.J. Day gave us more than freedom; they left us the example of how it can and must be protected. Countries and communities that had never before fought together learned to co-ordinate their efforts across vast distances, faiths and cultural divides. Together they proved that, in times of war and in times of peace, the greatest weapons of all are not the arms you bear, but the arms you link. That remains a vital lesson for our times. So to the families of all those who served, and to that sadly dwindling band of veterans among us still, please know that the courage and camaraderie displayed in humanity's darkest hour is a flame that shall blaze for eternity – a beacon that honours our past and guides our future.
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trolls said my daughter ‘wouldn't ever get a job' when I took her out of school but now she's going to UNI at 14
A PROUD mum has shared news of her daughter's entry into university at just 14, despite trolls slating her online. But unlike the thousands of students who received their A-level grades this week, Millie Smith from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, didn't bag a single one. 6 6 Her mum, Kim Smith, 33, in fact decided to take her daughter out of school at the age of just ten - a move that prompted hundreds of strangers to question her parenting choices. 'People said she'd never get a job, that she'd be socially awkward, that she'd fall so far behind she'd never catch up,' says mum-of-two Kim. 'It was constant, people love to tell you you're doing the wrong thing.' But four years on, Kim has the ultimate comeback. Millie, now 14, has just been accepted onto a BSc Honours in Psychology course and she's doing it without a single GCSE or A-level to her name. 'She'll be doing her degree before most kids her age even start their A-levels,' Kim proudly tells Fabulous. 'And she's done it on her own terms.' Millie's educational journey took an unexpected turn during the Covid lockdowns. Like millions of parents, Kim found herself suddenly in charge of her daughter's learning but she quickly realised the school's remote lessons weren't working for them. Kim says: 'A lot of kids were struggling, and parents didn't understand the new teaching methods. 'It was causing so many arguments in homes everywhere. I thought, why are we forcing this? So we stopped following what the school sent and made our own work instead.' Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan's top five tips for parenting in 2025 Those first few months gave Kim a taste of how different learning could be. A few months after Millie returned to school, she left for good, beginning her home education. Learning beyond the classroom Kim explains how she adopted a "child-led" learning approach. 'At first, everyone tries to replicate school at home, the timetable, the subjects, but I quickly realised education isn't just about copying from a book or following a set curriculum. 'We moved to a child-led approach, where Millie chose the topics that interested her, like space, ancient Egypt, plants, even hair dye, and we built all the learning around that.' 6 "That flexibility meant lessons could happen anywhere — on the sofa, at the park, even at the beach. 'People think home education means you're stuck indoors all day, but we're always out doing things,' Kim explains. If Millie wanted to learn maths while sitting on a beach, we could. And if she felt too unwell in the morning, we could move lessons to the afternoon. It's about listening to her needs.' Kim says her partner Luke, "teaches Millie about engines, maintenance and modifications of motorbikes and push bike". The pair also share an interest in history and will often watch lots of educational documentaries together. Luke suffered a heart attack and stroke in January and 14-year-old Millie has since helped him bring his speech and memory back using her knowledge of psychology and therapies. Kim says with Millie's help "he's now almost back to himself and is back at work and helping with her home education". Kim also tackled one of the biggest criticisms levelled at home education, which is the lack of socialisation. The mum posts on social media on her account @learninghappiness where she has amassed over eight thousand followers and 42,000 likes on TikTok. Throughout her time sharing her journey with followers, she's received backlash, particularly about her daughter's social interaction skills post home education. One troll wrote: "Academic success is great but there's no substitute to the social interaction of school." Another added: "Home education is really restricted in seeing other children and meeting people." But the mum clapped back, de-bunking this stereotype. 'When people say, 'But won't she be lonely?' I ask, 'What makes you think that?'' Kim said. 'In school you're told to sit down and be quiet, that's not socialising." Home-educated kids mix with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It's actually more organic than socialising in a classroom.' When Kim couldn't find enough nearby meet-ups to suit her work schedule, she started her own home education group. 'We've now got nearly 2,000 families,' she says. 'We meet a couple of times a week, run workshops, and even hold a prom every year so the kids don't miss out.' One prom, she recalls, summed up the difference between mainstream and home education. 'A child came wearing a suit and a toy octopus on their head. In school they'd have been ripped apart. "Here, all the kids ran over saying, 'Wow, you look amazing, can I try your hat?' Me and my partner cried — it was such a beautiful moment of acceptance that you wouldn't get at a normal school.' Homeschooling Rules in the UK In the UK, homeschooling is a legal and viable option for parents... English and Welsh parents do not need permission to educate their child at home, but they must notify the school in writing if they are withdrawing their child from a school to home educate Scottish parents must obtain consent from their local council before withdrawing their child from school, unless the child has never attended a public school Parents must ensure their child receives an efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability, and any special educational needs There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum, take standard exams, or adhere to school hours However, parents still need to ensure their little ones are being adequalty educated. Otherwise, your local council can step in. Your local council can make informal inquiries to ensure your child is receiving adequate education They may even request information about the home education provision to ensure the learning material is suitable If the council believes your child is falling short, it can serve a School Attendance Order or issue a notice for attendance Real-world lessons Millie's 'school day' looks nothing like the rigid timetable of most 14-year-olds. Mondays might mean creative writing club, Tuesdays arts and crafts, Wednesdays book club, Fridays outdoor nature sessions. 6 Some days she does academic work, other days she focuses on hobbies or independent study. 'She's done university-level psychology courses online through Coursera, just because she wanted to,' Kim says. Kim has also made sure Millie learns life skills alongside academics. 'In January, my partner had a heart attack and stroke,' she adds. 'For a week, Millie ran the house. I gave her my bank card and a budget, and she shopped, cooked, cleaned, made sure we had clothes for hospital visits — everything. "She wouldn't have learned that in school.' Getting into uni without exams The Open University doesn't require GCSEs or A-levels for older applicants but for under-16s like Millie, the bar is high. 'They asked why she wanted to do psychology, did a phone interview, and set her a task,' Kim says. 'She had a month to write a 250-word essay explaining the 'Mozart effect'. "She finished it in three hours. The next morning, she got her acceptance email.' Millie will start part-time so she still has time for hobbies and friends, but even at that pace she's on track to graduate before she turns 21. Kim is clear about the advantages of home education: personalised learning, flexible pacing, more time for passions, and strong life skills. But it's not without challenges. 'You have to be really hands-on as a parent, especially at first,' she admits. 'It takes time to find your rhythm and balance work with your child's needs. And some families might find the lack of a ready-made peer group tricky without making the effort to join communities.' 'I'm not saying it's for everyone, but it could work for far more kids than the system allows for,' Kim says. Still, for Kim and Millie, it's been worth it. Kim shared her daughter Millie has dyslexia and dyspraxia, but wasn't getting the attention she needed from teachers. "When Millie first left school, her teacher had basically told her that she had to choose between either being bad at spelling or bad at writing for SATs. "I said to them, that's a little bit like saying to someone whose legs aren't working and sight is bad that they have to choose between glasses or a wheelchair - it's ridiculous. "Millie now loves writing and asks to go to creative writing classes, she just needed some attention and support." The current school system is outdated. It's more focused on grades for league tables than what's best for the child." "Millie's proof you can succeed without it.' And as for the trolls who doubted her, Kim laughs: 'I don't need to tell them they were wrong. Millie's going to university at 14, that says it all.' 6
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- The Sun
Historic UK bridge COLLAPSES after being smashed into by train sparking delays throughout weekend
A HISTORIC UK bridge has collapsed after an engineering train smashed into it. The train crashed into the Grade II listed bridge at Lydney, in the Forest of Dean, just before 11am yesterday. Dean Forest Railway, which runs steam trains and heritage diesel services on the line, confirmed in a statement that no one was harmed by the incident. But pictures taken of the bridge show it completely collapsed across the rail line. The area nearby was also cordoned off around the badly damaged bridge at St Mary's Halt. Dean Forest Railway has told passengers there will be a reduced service running this weekend between Norchard and Parkend. The 133-year-old Victorian lattice iron bridge at St Mary's Halt in Lydney, Gloucestershire, was only restored in 2019. It is said to be the last surviving piece of infrastructure from the historic Severn and Wye Railway. Staff and volunteers are now working with the Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. Further updates will be released, said the railway. 1
