London achieved the highest A-level results in England, with 32.1% of entries graded A or A*, outperforming all other regions and widening the gap with the lowest-performing area, the North East, to 9.2 percentage points. This continues a long-term trend of higher attainment in the capital.

Nationally, performance reached a record high outside the Covid-19 years, with 28.3% of grades at A or A* and 9.4% awarded an A*. These results reflect ongoing adjustments following the return to pre-pandemic grading standards.

University admissions reached new highs, with 82% of applicants accepted to their first-choice university through UCAS, supported by a strong results day and an increase in available places.

Concerns over regional inequalities remain prominent, with ministers acknowledging that the attainment gap between London and other parts of the country is “entrenched” and pledging targeted interventions, including investment in teaching quality and post-16 education support.