London has extended its lead in the proportion of A-level entries awarded the highest grades, creating the largest regional gap since the current grading system began in 2010, according to early figures released this week. The results bring relief and celebration for pupils across the city and fresh questions about regional inequality in post-16 attainment.
Record gap between London and lowest-performing regions
Published figures show that London now sits comfortably ahead of several other English regions when it comes to the share of entries achieving A* to A. The margin between London and the worst-performing areas — the North East and the East Midlands — has widened to 9.6 percentage points, the largest differential on record under the present grading system.
Nationally, the proportion of A-level entries awarded top grades edged up slightly this year and remains above pre-pandemic highs. The next best-performing area after London was the South East, where 31.5% of entries secured A*–A, up from 31.3% last year. The East of England recorded 27.9%, a marginal fall of 0.1 percentage points on 2025.
Pupils from Hackney and Feltham among those celebrating
For individual students, the statistics represent life-changing outcomes. Aminata Townsend, 18, from Haggerston School in Hackney, achieved three A*s in English Literature, History and Economics and has won a place to study English Literature at the University of Cambridge. She described the uncertainty many students feel after exams:
"I needed three A*s to get in - I didn’t think I would get them because you come out of the exams and you’re not sure how you have done."
Lily Brown, 18, has become the first pupil from the Logic Studio School in Feltham to secure an offer from Oxford after achieving three As. She will study History at St Hilda's College, and told reporters that being the school's first Oxbridge student carried particular pressure.
Local impact and what the figures mean
On the ground in London, teachers and local leaders say the results reflect a mix of sustained investment in post-16 provision alongside lingering disparities in resources and access that vary neighbourhood by neighbourhood. The sharp advantage London now holds over regions such as the North East and East Midlands underlines long-standing concerns about unequal outcomes tied to geography.
For students and families, top grades open pathways to competitive universities and degree courses. For policymakers, the data raises fresh questions about how targeted support and funding can address gaps outside the capital while ensuring standards remain high in London.
Quick facts from this year's results
- London lead: 9.6 percentage points ahead of the North East and East Midlands on A*–A share.
- South East A*–A: 31.5% (up from 31.3% in 2025).
- East of England A*–A: 27.9% (down 0.1 points on 2025).
| Region | A*–A (%) |
|---|---|
| South East | 31.5 |
| East of England | 27.9 |
Next steps and local priorities
Headteachers in London told WE NEWS they welcomed the success of individual pupils while warning that headline regional figures can mask wide variation between schools. Pockets of excellence sit alongside institutions still recovering from the disruption of the pandemic and facing recruitment and funding pressures.
For pupils, the immediate priorities are clear: celebrate results, confirm university places or apprenticeship offers, and if needed, explore clearing or resits. Local councils and schools will be asked to analyse the data in detail to identify where targeted support — such as additional tutoring, curriculum investment or careers guidance — can make the most difference.
As the capital marks another year of strong A-level performance, the broader debate returns: how to spread opportunity more evenly across the country so that geography is less determinative of young people's futures.
