On August 13, students across the UK woke up to find their A-level results, with record university acceptances. We looked at the official figures from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), Ofqual and UCAS to explain the main changes, where the numbers need context, and what you can take from them when planning your next steps. Let’s dive in!
A-level Results 2026: at a glance
JCQ’s UK figures show the following changes – please bear in mind an entry means one subject result, not one student. So somebody taking three A levels usually contributes three entries.
| Measure: JCQ UK A-level results, all ages | 2025 | 2026 |
| Students taking A levels | 341,577 | 349,917 |
| A-level entries | 882,653 | 906,425 |
| Results awarded A* | 9.4% | 9.6% |
| Results awarded A* or A | 28.3% | 28.5% |
| Results awarded A* to E | 97.5% | 97.5% |
Source: JCQ’s summer results release[1], 13 August 2026. The table uses the 2025 comparators published in that release.
Top grades rose by 0.2 percentage points, while the A*–E pass rate was unchanged. Overall a modest shift, rather than a dramatic jump in results.
Did A-level grading become easier in 2026?
A slightly higher percentage of top grades does not necessarily mean exams became easier. In its 2026 results overview[2], Ofqual describes England’s outcomes as stable and says the standard of work needed for a grade remains consistent.
The regulator explains that the mix of students and subjects changes each year. In England, the A*–A proportion moved from 28.2% to 28.3%, with maths contributing substantially to that small increase.
Notice that England’s 28.3% is different from JCQ’s UK figure of 28.5% – they cover different geographical populations, so they should not be used interchangeably.
Which A-level subjects were most popular?
Maths remained the most widely taken A level. Ofqual’s England breakdown puts psychology and biology next, with chemistry and economics completing the top five.
| Subject | Students receiving results in England, 2026 |
| Mathematics | 107,300 |
| Psychology | 76,100 |
| Biology | 68,005 |
| Chemistry | 61,050 |
| Economics | 45,915 |
Source: Ofqual’s qualification results report, Table 4[3], updated 20 August 2026.
If you are choosing subjects, treat popularity as background information rather than a recommendation. Start with subjects you enjoy and the requirements of courses you might want to study. National uptake cannot tell you which combination suits your strengths.
How did A-level results vary across England?
London had the highest A*–A proportion, at 32.7%. The North East and East Midlands each recorded 23.1%, while England’s overall figure was 28.3%.
A*–A results by English region, 2026
All subjects and ages. England overall: 28.3%.
| London | 32.7% |
|---|---|
| South East | 31.5% |
| East of England | 27.9% |
| South West | 27.1% |
| North West | 26.5% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 25.7% |
| West Midlands | 24.2% |
| North East | 23.1% |
| East Midlands | 23.1% |
Source: Ofqual, summer 2026 results, Table 8, updated 20 August 2026. Results, not students; regions refer to school or college location. Bar scale: 0–40%.
What did UCAS report about university places?
UCAS reported a record 262,820 UK 18-year-olds accepted into university or college, 3% more than at the equivalent point in 2025. Across all ages and countries of domicile, 446,690 applicants had been accepted. These figures include applicants with qualifications other than A levels.
However, more acceptances do not automatically mean more young people entering university. In fact, UCAS attributed the increase among UK 18-year-olds to population growth: their entry rate remained fairly stable at 31.6%, compared with 32.0% a year earlier.
Firm and insurance choices: why the distinction matters
| Measure: UK 18-year-olds, Results Day | 2025 | 2026 |
| Accepted into university or college | 255,130 | 262,820 |
| Placed at firm choice | 226,580 | 228,990 |
| Placed at insurance choice | 26,330 | 31,770 |
| Population entry rate | 32.0% | 31.6% |
Source: UCAS’s Results Day release[4], 13 August 2026.
In a separate measure, 79% of 18-year-old offer-holders from England, Wales and Northern Ireland who received a decision on Results Day were placed at their firm choice, down from 82%. Another 13% reached their insurance choice, up from 11%. That means a smaller proportion, not a smaller number, reached their firm choice. The percentages also use a different population from the UK-wide counts above.
For future applicants, our advice is to give your insurance choice proper thought. It should be somewhere you would genuinely want to study, with offer conditions you understand. Our guide to applying to university in the UK can help you plan the wider process.
Which degree subjects saw growth in acceptances?
UCAS highlighted engineering and technology, social sciences and law in its Results Day release. Please note these are university subject groups, not A-level subjects.
| University subject group | Accepted applicants, 13 August 2026 | Change from 2025 |
| Engineering and technology | 34,100 | +14% |
| Social sciences | 48,840 | +6% |
| Law | 28,590 | +5% |
Source: UCAS’s Results Day release. Figures cover all ages and domiciles; comparisons are with the equivalent Results Day point.
An increase in acceptances is not a measure of how easy a course is to enter. Course-level requirements and selection processes still need checking individually.
A note on timing: UCAS has since listed a 28 August dataset. The admissions section above deliberately summarises 13 August; it should not be read as the latest September total or final 2026 enrolment count. See UCAS’s daily Clearing analysis[5] for later releases.
Are you still looking for a university place?
Clearing is not limited to Results Day. If you are eligible and a course has vacancies, you may still be able to apply. UCAS lists two remaining deadlines for 2026 entry:
| Action | Deadline |
| Submit a new UCAS application for 2026 entry | 24 September 2026, 18:00 UK time |
| Add a Clearing choice | 19 October 2026 |
Source: UCAS’s application dates and deadlines[6].
These dates do not guarantee that a particular course will remain open. Use UCAS to check vacancies, speak directly to admissions and only add a Clearing choice once the university has given permission. Ask about accommodation and arrival arrangements too. Follow UCAS’s official Clearing guidance[7].
What should next year’s applicants take away?
Use this year’s results to understand the wider picture, not to predict your own outcome. We’d suggest focusing on course requirements, steady subject preparation, and a well-researched range of university choices.
If you are starting Year 12 or Year 13, our A-level revision timetable guide can help you turn broad ambitions into a practical routine.
For personalised support with your university application or A-level preparation, book a free consultation with a member of our friendly team.
Sources
[1] Joint Council for Qualifications. JCQ summer results Level 3 press notice. 13 August 2026. Accessed 7 September 2026.
[2] Ofqual; Amanda Swann. A Level and level 3 results 2026 at a glance: key trends and context for teachers. 13 August 2026. Accessed 7 September 2026.
[3] Ofqual. Qualification results in England: summer 2026. Updated 20 August 2026. Accessed 7 September 2026.
[4] UCAS. Quarter of a million UK 18-year-olds gain place at university or college. 13 August 2026. Accessed 7 September 2026.
[5] UCAS. Statistical releases – daily Clearing analysis 2026. Accessed 7 September 2026.
[6] UCAS. Dates and deadlines for uni applications. Accessed 7 September 2026.
[7] UCAS. What is Clearing?. Accessed 7 September 2026.