2026 A-Level Results: A*/A Grades Account for 28.3% in England; Mathematics Remains the Top Subject
A-Level results were released on August 13, 2026. According to Ofqual data for England, the proportion of A*/A grades is 28.3%, remaining largely flat compared to last year; the A*/A proportion for Mathematics is 42.1%, meaning roughly 1 in 8 grades awarded is in Mathematics. This article explains the difference between England-specific and UK-wide figures, and discusses how A-Level students should choose their subjects in light of popular subject trends.
A-Level results for 2026 were released on August 13. Ofqual, the exams regulator in England, summarized the outcome as overall stability. The proportion of A*/A grades in England was 28.3%, compared to 28.2% in 2025, a slight increase of just 0.1 percentage points.
Below is a summary of this year's key data and what it means for Chinese students currently studying A-Levels.
Key Data (England)
The following data is from Ofqual's analysis article released on August 13, 2026, covering England only.
| Metric | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| A*/A proportion (all subjects) | 28.3% | 28.2% |
| Mathematics A*/A proportion | 42.1% | 41.6% |
Ofqual explained that the slight increase in top grades this year came mainly from Mathematics, which reflects a slightly stronger cohort of candidates rather than any change in grading standards.
Scale of Results
- A total of 835,950 A-Level certificates were issued, covering 320,505 students, 2,835 schools and colleges, and 57 subjects. The number of certificates increased by 2.7% compared to 2025.
- According to projections by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the 18-year-old population grew by 3.7%.
Top Five Most Popular Subjects
According to Ofqual's data, the five most popular A-Level subjects in England in 2026 are:
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Economics
Mathematics accounts for about one-eighth of all A-Level entries, and entries for Further Mathematics continue to grow.
England vs. UK-Wide Data: Don't Mix Them Up
Every year on results day, the media cites two types of data:
- Ofqual: Publishes data for England. The 28.3% and 42.1% figures in this article are based on the England scope.
- Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ): Publishes broader aggregated data jointly by all exam boards on results day. Media reports citing "UK-wide" figures mostly use this data.
Since the two scopes cover different areas, the numbers will differ. If you see mismatched A*/A proportions in different reports, check which scope they are using first, and do not compare the two sets of numbers directly.
Implications for A-Level Subject Choices
Mathematics Is Almost a "Must-Have"
Mathematics is the most popular subject, and its A*/A proportion is also significantly higher than the overall average. This implies two things:
- When applying for majors such as Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics, Mathematics is usually a core requirement.
- Many students score high in Mathematics, so getting an A* may not necessarily give you a competitive edge. Students aiming for STEM or Economics majors at top universities should consider taking Further Mathematics as well.
Choose Subjects Based on Your Target Major
Popular subjects are not necessarily the right fit for everyone. Before choosing your subjects, check the entry requirements of your target universities and majors:
- Some majors have strict A-Level subject requirements, which vary by university and program. Always refer to the entry requirements on the university's official website.
- Popular subjects like Psychology and Economics are great for students interested in these fields, but they may not be mandatory prerequisites for the corresponding university majors.
Stable Grading Environment Means Consistent Effort Matters More
Ofqual stated that this year's grading standards are consistent with previous years, and minor changes in grade distribution mainly reflect shifts in the candidate cohort. For students, there is no shortcut of "an easier year"; success relies on two years of solid preparation. When applying for UK undergraduate programs, final results are usually not yet available, so first-year academic performance will affect the predicted grades given by teachers.
V Levels: A Quick Overview
V Levels are a new qualification under the UK Department for Education's post-16 progression framework. Teaching is planned to begin in September 2027, and UCAS announced its Tariff points on September 17, 2026 (with an A* worth 56 points). Students on the A-Level track just need to be aware of this.
Need Help?
If you are currently studying A-Levels and want to finalize your subject choices or improve your grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and other subjects, check out our A-Level courses. If you are already planning your UK university applications, learn more about our UK university admissions services, or book a one-on-one consultation.