A-level results see drop in top grades but more university places

With the results of this year's A-level exams just coming in, the latest figures reveal a slight fall in top grades achieved.

Despite this, a record numbers of students have been offered university places.

Results

A* and A grades were attained by 25.9% of entries which is a slight decrease from last year's 26%, although overall passes actually rose by 0.1% to 98.1%.

Continued access to education for those looking to attain a degree means that 409,000 places have been confirmed, an increase of 3% on 2014's figures, according to UCAS.

Subjects

With graduate employability an increasing issue in many sectors, the exam boards reported an increase in pupils sitting computing tests, while mathematics, English and biology were the most popular subjects of the 850,000 A-levels that were taken this year.

Director of the Joint Council for Qualifications, Michael Turner, said: "The overriding message from this year's figures is one of stability. There have been no significant changes to the system."

Gender gap

England’s removal of the cap on university places means that more students than ever have been accepted onto courses. However, there are certain demographic differences that need to be addressed.

UCAS reports an increase of 5% in places for 18-year-olds in the UK, but a reduction among older would-be graduates.

Also, 27,000 more females than males will be starting a university course this year, which means that the gender gap continues to widen.