The percentage of top A-level grades has risen for the first time since 2021 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Overall this year 27.8% of all grades were A* or A - up from 27.2% in 2023, although it is a different story in each individual nation.
England saw an increase in top grades, Northern Ireland and Wales experienced declines in the proportion of A* and A grades, though results in Northern Ireland still surpass those in England. London stands out with both the highest percentage of top grades (31.3%) and the most significant improvement since before the pandemic.
This year's A-level results have been impressive, reflecting the dedication of many students. However, slightly lower grades do not dictate one's future. Regardless of results, everyone has the potential to achieve their goals. Success relies not just on exam scores, but on perseverance, passion, and the belief that dreams are always attainable, no matter the path taken.
Asian Voice spoke to a few experts in the education sector and a former student to highlight that grades aren’t everything and to explore alternative options if scores are low.
Explore alternatives and seek support
Tony Michalides, Head of Economics at Claremont High School emphasised that many students who underperform in their A-levels can feel disheartened, but it's important to focus on your academic and professional goals. He said, “Consider attending a university with lower entry requirements if you didn’t get into your top choices. Many institutions offer the same courses with more accessible criteria, and concerns about university prestige are often overstated. Employers typically focus on your final degree grade rather than the institution. Alternatively, retaking your A-levels can be a good option if you have a specific university in mind. This extra year allows you to improve your knowledge and exam skills, and many students use this time to gain work experience, either through full-time college or part-time work while studying independently.”
“Apprenticeships are a strong alternative, often requiring lower grades. These programs provide qualifications without the debt of university, as you earn while you learn. You can apply for apprenticeships starting in September for the next academic year, giving you time to enhance your grades and prepare for interviews,” he added.
Tony advises students on coping with the emotional impact of receiving lower-than-expected grades by emphasising the importance of focusing on personal progress rather than comparing oneself to others. He said, “Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others. I’ve seen students who worked incredibly hard and made significant progress, only to feel disappointed because someone in their friendship group scored higher. Celebrate your achievements and take pride in the progress you’ve made. Consider how your grades impact your goals and explore the available solutions. If your grades didn’t meet your expectations, remember that there are many options, like the ones I’ve suggested earlier. Seek advice from your teachers and other academic professionals—they know your abilities and can provide realistic guidance on your next steps.”
Speaking about identifying and developing strengths outside academics to pursue a successful career path, he said, “Qualifications only get you to the interview stage; employers want to see if you’re employable and how well you fit into the workplace. Top grades are less valuable if you can’t apply academic skills professionally. Engaging in extracurricular activities like sports or music builds crucial skills such as teamwork and communication, and boosts mental health. Exploring different career paths through work experience helps you discover what suits you. Embrace new experiences and step out of your comfort zone for success.”
Kevin Patel, Deputy Headteacher of Harrow High School, advises that if you don’t achieve your expected results, it’s crucial to seek support from professionals such as Careers Advisors, Teachers, and Exams Officers. He said, “Although you might feel embarrassed, remember that each person is unique, with distinct qualities and aspirations. These professionals can offer tailored advice based on your individual circumstances and local opportunities. If you’re feeling nervous, bring along a parent, older sibling, or friend for support. Being open and honest with your Careers Advisor will help them provide the best guidance. We are accustomed to handling high-pressure situations and are here to support you on your journey.”
Speaking on how students can stay motivated and focused on their long-term goals despite setbacks like lower A-level grades, he said, “When faced with setbacks, such as lower grades than expected, it’s crucial to keep moving forward. While some reflection is useful, dwelling on the setback won't help. Focus on your long-term goals and consider how you can still achieve them despite the obstacles. In reality, success is rarely linear for most people, so learning to navigate setbacks early in your career is invaluable. For example, if you aspire to study Medicine but didn’t achieve the required grades for direct admission, consider pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences (3 years) and then applying for a Graduate Medicine program (4 years). Although this path might take an extra year or two, it still leads you to your goal. And even if you don’t gain admission to a Graduate Medicine program, you'll have a Biomedical Sciences degree to build your future on.”
Turning setbacks into success
Speaking about how students can stay proactive in exploring opportunities, even if their initial plans didn’t work out, Co founder and CEO of OneHive, Rushab Shah said, “There’s a saying that “a goal without a plan is just a wish”. This could never be more true, especially when you are going through the emotional rollercoaster of not achieving the grades. Creating a structured list of things you need to do, people you need to call, alternatives you need to explore will become your compass to help you navigate through the uncertainty.”
Rushab offers insight into how students can transform the potentially negative experience of receiving lower A-level results into a powerful motivator for their future endeavours. He said, “Remember that you cannot judge a fish by its ability to climb trees, and there are countless examples of successful individuals who have not followed the traditional route. Although A Levels determine your University, there are many pathways such as following your true passions by exploring the alternatives in clearing or even apprenticeships that can supercharge your career in a way that a degree cannot.”
Sharing his personal experience in A levels, he said, “My personal story aligns to this - as a passionate future engineer, I was on track to go to Imperial to read Aeronautical Engineering. I missed every single one of my grades, and therefore also did not get my second choice. I was consumed by shame, fear and uncertainty, but using the advice I shared before, I went through the clearing option and found the opportunity to read Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University!”
“This was a blessing in disguise, because going to Warwick enabled me to thrive both academically and participate in extracurricular activities, making my educational journey more holistic. I ended up graduating with a 1st Class Honors and went on to have a successful engineering career, speaking at global conferences and more recently starting up my own tech company,” he added.
Kushal Vekariya, an Aircraft Mechanic at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is a strong advocate for the idea that grades don't define success. Despite not achieving top scores in his exams, he found his path to success by following his passion. Reflecting on how he maintained his motivation and confidence when his exam results didn’t align with his aspirations, he shared, “Before I went to get my results, my mom made it clear that her main concern was that I pass both Maths and English. When I first opened my results, I saw that I had failed English. However, I later found out that it was remarked, and I had actually passed, which was a relief. But the biggest lesson for me was to ask myself, ‘Have I tried my best?’
Kushal acknowledges the immense pressure many students face to achieve good grades. "There's this widespread belief that if you don’t get good grades, you won’t get into a good college or sixth form, and without that, you won’t get into a top university or secure the best job," he explains. "It’s easy to feel trapped by these expectations—wanting to meet your parents' hopes while also trying to maintain your own well-being. At some point, you have to trust your own judgement."
For him the turning point was accepting that he had done his best, regardless of the results. "Once you receive your grades, there’s nothing you can do to change them," he notes. "Some people might choose to re-sit their exams, which is perfectly fine if that’s their choice. But for me, I didn’t retake any exams. I chose to accept my results and move on."
This acceptance, Kushal believes, is crucial. "The mindset I believe in is being willing to accept failure, learn from it, and grow. The more we avoid failure and constantly chase success without reflecting on ourselves, the less meaningful our achievements become. So, my advice is to embrace failure, learn from your mistakes, and use them as a stepping stone to become better."
He advises students not to be too hard on themselves if results aren’t as expected. “One of my favourite quotes is, ‘Make your passion your profession.’ Many successful people don’t let grades limit them; they think creatively and pursue their passions. If your grades fall short, focus on how you can think outside the box and improve yourself. Remember, grades are just letters—what truly matters is your mindset and determination.”
