A-Level Results Day in Wales: A Shift in Grading and Student Perspectives
Thousands of A-level and AS students across Wales are preparing to discover their results on Thursday, marking a significant shift from previous years. This year, there has been a noticeable decline in top grades, with 29.9% of pupils achieving A* and A grades—down from 34% in 2023. Officials have acknowledged that this drop was expected as the education system moves away from the adjustments made during the pandemic.
Results will be available for students starting at 08:00 BST, though specific arrangements may vary depending on the school or college. Alongside traditional A-levels, results for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and certain vocational qualifications, including BTecs, will also be released. These results are crucial for students who need confirmation of their grades to secure university placements, and many will receive updated information about their offers from the same time.
Identical twins Adrian and Łukasz Kolman from Newport have always shared similar academic interests, taking the same A-level subjects and studying together for exams. Both are waiting anxiously for their results in maths, further maths, computer science, and physics. Adrian described the exams as "stressful," but he found comfort in having his brother to help with difficult concepts. Łukasz, on the other hand, felt "nervous but also kind of excited" about the outcome. He is looking forward to seeing what he gets, while also ensuring that his results meet the requirements for his university course.
Both twins have secured places at universities—Adrian at Bristol University and Łukasz at Bath University. They expressed excitement about being more independent, as they have shared a room for most of their lives. Their journey highlights the importance of mutual support during challenging academic periods.
For some BTec students, final results will also be confirmed on Thursday. Ngaire Gape, a 19-year-old from Cardiff, already has a clear idea of her performance in her art and design BTec. She has secured a place to study performance design at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Ngaire praised the practical, coursework-based nature of the qualification, which allowed her to explore creative avenues she might not have had access to in a traditional school setting. She now looks forward to working on set costumes, props, and puppetry during her degree.
After the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Qualifications Wales maintained a "safety net" when setting grade boundaries if performance in a subject was significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, this year, that safety net has been removed, leading to higher grade boundaries in some subjects. The watchdog stated that outcomes should be broadly similar to those before the pandemic, assuming continued improvement after the disruption.
The head of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) noted that a record number of 18-year-olds are likely to gain admission to their first-choice university, even if they narrowly miss their required grades. Dr. Jo Saxton explained that universities are eager to enroll UK undergraduates due to uncertainty around international student numbers. Additionally, the clearing process remains an option for students who do not meet their grade requirements or change their minds about their course choices.
The latest Ucas data shows that 32.5% of Welsh 18-year-olds had applied to university by the end of June, compared to 41.2% across the UK. This highlights a trend of decreasing university applications in Wales.
Wales’ Skills Minister Jack Sargeant recently visited an engineering and manufacturing company, Boccard, to speak with apprentices about alternative education routes. Beau Tattersall, a 19-year-old apprentice, started his training with no prior experience. He has been learning to weld and fabricate in a workshop, and he emphasized the benefits of earning while learning. Lawrence Coleman, 20, shared his own experiences, noting that his career path was not his initial choice but turned out to be a positive decision.
Careers Wales encourages young people to consider alternatives to university, such as taking a break, entering the workforce, or pursuing apprenticeships. Adviser Catrin Owen highlighted the growing availability of higher-level apprenticeships, including degree-level programs, which offer excellent opportunities for some students. She stressed the importance of consulting with professionals to make informed decisions about future paths.
As students navigate the post-results landscape, the focus remains on finding the right educational and career opportunities that align with their aspirations and strengths.