Top A-level results have fallen – but they’re still above pre-pandemic levels

The number of A-level entries receiving top grades has gone down slightly this year – but the figure is still higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic.

Pupils awaiting their results this morning faced increased anxiety as Ofqual, the exams watchdog for England, said it would impose tougher grade boundaries this year.

Fewer pupils are set to receive their predicted results this year, as Ofqual aimed to return to pre-pandemic grading.

In 2020 and 2021, the number of top grades awarded increased as results were based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

Pupils receiving their A-level results today didn’t sit GCSE exams, and were given teacher-assessed grades.

This year, 27.2% of entries were awarded an A* or A grade – down by nearly 10% on last year when 36.4% got the top grades.

But 2023’s results are still higher than in 2019 – the last year summer exams were taken before the pandemic. Four years ago 25.4% of entries got A* or A grades.

The overall pass rate, however, has dropped to its lowest level since 2008.

The number of entries graded A* to E has fallen to 97.3%. That’s lower than both last year (98.4%) and 2019 (97.6). In 2008 the pass rate was 97.2%

The figures, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), cover A-level entries from students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In England, Ofqual had said this year’s A-level results would be lower than last year and they would be similar to those in 2019.

In Wales, results are expected to be ‘broadly midway’ between those awarded in 2022 – the first year students sat exams following the pandemic – and 2019.

In Northern Ireland, results are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels next year.

A total of 3,820 students in England scored three A* grades this year, Ofqual said.

This is down from 8,570 last year, but up from 2,785 in 2019.

Many A-level students in Wales and Northern Ireland were given advance information about topics to expect in their exam papers this summer but students in England were not given the same support.

Ofqual said it built protection into the grading process in England this year to recognise the disruption that students have faced.

This should have enabled a student to get the grade they would have received before the pandemic, even if the quality of their work is a little bit weaker due to disruption.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: ‘The proportion of students achieving the top A-level grades has fallen sharply this year, not as a result of underperformance, but because the grading system has been adjusted in the wake of the pandemic so the distribution of grades in England is similar to 2019.

‘This adjustment is a return to normality after the pandemic which necessitated the use of different approaches to grading.

‘Whatever the rationale, however, it will feel like a bruising experience for many students, as well as schools and colleges which will have seen a sharp dip in top grades compared to the past three years.

‘It is important to remember that these students also suffered the disruption of the pandemic, and this will have impacted particularly on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

‘We would urge students who are disappointed by their grades not to panic but to talk to their teachers about the options available to them and we wish all the young people receiving their results today every success for the future.’

Margaret Farragher, chief executive of the JCQ, said: ‘This year’s results recognise the fantastic achievements of students across the country. They have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic period to achieve these well-earned grades.

‘The 2023 results show that students are well equipped to continue their studies or move into apprenticeships or employment.’

Pupils in Scotland received their results last week and the Scottish Qualifications Authority figures showed that the Higher pass rate was down from last year but it remained above 2019 levels.

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