Bradford posts strong rise in A* and A grades
Bradford has recorded one of the country's most substantial year-on-year increases in top A-level grades, official data published today shows. The proportion of A* and A grades in the district rose to 25.6% in 2026, up from 23% in 2025, representing the 12th-largest increase nationally and the biggest improvement of any area in Yorkshire.
The gains come as students across the district collected results that will determine progression to university, apprenticeships and employment. While the rise in Bradford outpaced the wider region, Yorkshire and the Humber as a whole remained below the national average for top grades.
Regional and national context
Ofqual's figures show the wider Yorkshire and the Humber region increased its share of A* and A grades from 25.3% in 2025 to 25.7% in 2026 — an uptick that nevertheless sits beneath the national average of 28.3%. For the broader measure of A* to C grades, the region improved to 78.1%, bringing it level with the national figure.
| Area | A*–A 2025 | A*–A 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Bradford | 23.0% | 25.6% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 25.3% | 25.7% |
| England (national average) | — | 28.3% |
Responses from local figures and experts
Bradford Council's Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, Councillor Sally Birch (Reform, Windhill and Wrose), offered congratulations to students and urged those who are disappointed not to be discouraged. In a statement she said:
"Congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. I hope you've achieved what you were hoping for and can take time to celebrate all your hard work and dedication. If things haven't gone quite to plan, please don’t be discouraged. There are lots of different routes into more education, training and employment, and support is available to help you explore your options."
Outside Bradford, Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, drew attention to the district as one of several former Opportunity Areas to record significant improvements in top grades. His remarks highlighted a wider pattern of gains in parts of the North of England that had historically lagged behind other areas.
What the figures mean locally
The improvement in Bradford will be welcomed by schools, students and employers. For schools it provides an evidence point in discussions about curriculum, resources and support; for students it may broaden access to competitive university courses and selective apprenticeship schemes. For the city, higher attainment at A-level could strengthen local efforts to raise skills, support economic renewal and address long-standing inequalities.
- Bradford's share of A* and A grades rose by 2.6 percentage points year-on-year.
- Yorkshire and the Humber improved but remains below the national A* and A average.
- Local leaders emphasised alternative pathways and support for students who did not meet their expected grades.
Next steps and support for young people
Officials and schools are expected to continue offering guidance to students who need to reconsider their plans. Bradford Council has reiterated the availability of support services to help young people explore alternatives, including further study, vocational training and employment routes. Meanwhile, education charities and national organisations continue to point to the importance of sustained investment in teaching, careers advice and targeted help for disadvantaged pupils.
As families digest today's results, the data provides a mixed picture: clear progress in Bradford itself, but wider regional challenges that underline how much more remains to be done if the North is to close gaps with national averages.
