A-Level Results Day 2025: Understanding the Impact on Young Adults

We’ve prepared a report to give you an early overview of national trends, performance highlights and what this means for the future.

📊 Headline Figures

• Overall pass rate (A-E): 97.5%
  
• This year the proportion of A-levels marked at A* and A was:
  • 28.2% in England, up from 27.6% in 2024
  • 29.5% in Wales, down from 29.9%
  • 30.4% in Northern Ireland, up from 30.3%
• Wales’s overall A-level results don’t show the big year-on-year changes we’ve been used to since 2020 and are broadly in line with 2024.
• Number achieving 3 A* grades: 4,043
• Most improved subject areas: STEM subjects have held onto their popularity in 2025 – with some continuing to grow in uptake.
• The proportion of A and above grades in London was 32.1%. In the south east, it was 31.2%. This is compared to 22.9% in the north east and 23.8% in the east Midlands.
• Boys, in particular, did well, with more boys than girls achieving an A* grade this year, unusual outside the Covid era. However, as in past years, more girls achieved grades of C and above. And there were fewer low grades (E and U) than in the previous two years.

🎓 Destinations and University Admissions

A total of 439,180 applicants gained a place at university or college – up 3.1% on the same point last year, according to data published by the university admissions service.

Not every young person will choose further education—some may want to go straight into work, while others may be unsure about their next steps. This period of transition can feel overwhelming, making it an important part of a support worker’s role to guide them toward a path that fits their interests, strengths, and aspirations.

For young adults who did not get into their chosen university, the disappointment can significantly impact their mental health, so it’s important for support workers to offer extra care, empathy, and guidance to help them rebuild confidence and explore alternative opportunities.