A-Level Results Day Sees Record University Offers Accepted

A record number of students have been accepted onto university or college courses as 18-year-olds across the UK celebrate A-level results day.

Hundreds of thousands of pupils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received their results on Thursday morning, many finding out if they had secured a place on their chosen course.

New UCAS figures show 255,130 UK 18-year-olds have been accepted, up from 243,650 in 2024. This marks a 4.7% increase and the highest on record.

Overall, 82% of those holding an offer who received their decision were placed on their first choice. This matches the proportion seen in 2024.

In total, 439,180 applicants have been accepted, a 3.1% rise on last year’s 425,860. This is the highest number of placed students on results day in UCAS history.

The number of 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas has also increased.

England saw 35,920 acceptances, a 6.4% rise. Wales recorded a 5.3% increase to 1,260, while Northern Ireland saw a 5.5% rise to 1,060.

The results follow a strong year for grades. In 2024, 27.8% of UK A-level entries were awarded an A or A*, compared to 27.2% the previous year. This is the highest proportion outside the pandemic years.

In 2019, before Covid disruptions, 25.4% achieved top grades. The pandemic in 2020 and 2021 saw teacher assessments replace exams, resulting in higher grades.

UCAS chief Dr Jo Saxton noted that this year’s students were just 13 when Covid struck, disrupting their schooling.

She said: “It’s great to see these applicants securing a university place in record numbers, seeking more education and investing in their futures.

“I am equally delighted to see how universities across the country have responded to their ambition.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson called results day “a time for celebration” and said there had been a “steadying of the ship” since the pandemic.

She added: “Whether A-Levels, T-Levels or technical and vocational qualifications, I wish everyone the very best of luck, and offer my heartfelt thanks to the fantastic teachers, staff and parents who’ve supported them to this milestone.”

Acceptances rose across all types of higher education providers. Higher tariff institutions saw a 7.2% increase, medium tariff rose by 4.5%, and lower tariff by 1.4%.

However, mature student acceptances fell by 2.4%, from 52,130 in 2024 to 50,880 this year.

International undergraduate acceptances rose by 2.9% to 52,640. China remains the largest market, growing by 13% to 12,380 acceptances.

Subjects with the biggest growth included engineering and technology, up 12.5%, mathematical sciences, up 10.5%, and law, up 10.4%.

Dr Saxton urged students who missed their grades not to panic.

She said: “For any student who didn’t quite get the grades they were hoping for, or even those still yet to apply, there are plenty of options in clearing with around 27,000 available courses.

“UCAS experts are also available on the phones, on social media and on the UCAS website, to help all those deciding on the next step that’s right for them.”

Ms Phillipson stressed the government’s commitment to widening opportunities.

She said:

“Every young person should have the opportunity to achieve and thrive.”

“This government won’t stand by and accept the entrenched inequalities that continue to blight the life chances of too many young people, especially those from white working-class backgrounds who have long been overlooked.

“We’re already taking decisive action and making encouraging progress.

“With great options from degree apprenticeships and high-quality technical qualifications to traditional university routes, we are giving young people the tools they need to get great jobs, fill talent gaps, and help drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”