Record year for top A-level grades predicted this year
Analysis of exam trends by the University of Buckingham has suggested that A-level results next week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could see high levels of top grades.
The university’s Prof Alan Smithers is predicting a ‘bumper crop’ of A* and A grades, in results for exams cancelled by the pandemic. But he warns against allowing ‘grade inflation’ to become the norm.
The University of East Anglia is also reporting early signs that it could be a ‘record year for grades’.
It is likely that with more pupils receiving high grades - which are being submitted by teachers for a second year in a row - there will be a crush for places at the most sought-after universities and courses, prompted by a record numbers of applications.
Universities will be getting advance notice of whether applicants have achieved their required grades, and will be going through their admission decisions ahead of the official release of results next week.
Read moreLatest News
23/09/2025 - 10:18
The Education Committee has released a new report outlining ways the government can achieve its mission of economic growth by investing in the further education (FE) and skills sector.
22/09/2025 - 11:15
Premier League Primary Stars is offering a new set of free teaching resources aimed at making football and PE lessons more inclusive, especially for girls, who remain less likely than boys to participate in sport.
19/09/2025 - 14:07
A number of school leaders under union NAHT have expressed strong opposition to Ofsted’s planned new inspection framework, with an overwhelming majority backing industrial action if the reforms go ahead as planned.
18/09/2025 - 09:33
A new report has been released which shines a light on the challenges young carers face in England’s education system, focusing on their disproportionately high rates of suspensions.
