London students have produced record proportions of A* and A grades in the 2026 A-level examinations, but beneath the headline success lies a stark regional divide that has widened to its greatest extent in recent years.
Record high for capital leaves other regions behind
The latest national results show 32.7% of A-level entries in London were awarded an A* or A, an increase of six percentage points on 2025. By contrast, the East Midlands recorded just 23.1% achieving the same top grades, putting it level with the North East, which also stood at 23.1% this year following a slight rise.
Analysts note the gap in top grades between London and the North East has grown to 9.6 percentage points, the widest margin recorded since the pandemic and considerably larger than the 3.9-point gap seen in 2019 under the pre-pandemic baseline.
What the numbers show
Regional data released with the A-levels highlights varying fortunes across England. Other notable figures include the South East at 31.5% and the East of England at 27.9% achieving A*–A grades. Experts say the distribution of top results makes clear that national averages mask deep geographical inequality in educational attainment.
| Region | % A*–A (2026) |
|---|---|
| London | 32.7% |
| South East | 31.5% |
| East of England | 27.9% |
| East Midlands | 23.1% |
| North East | 23.1% |
Why London is pulling away
Researchers and commentators point to a range of long-term factors that have helped London’s schools improve at a faster rate than many other areas. Reforms that began in the early 2000s, including targeted interventions in struggling schools, are credited with setting a transformation in motion. Higher pay and the capital’s appeal have also helped attract and retain teachers, while demographic changes have altered school intakes in ways that correlate with attainment.
Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, warned that the capital’s trajectory is creating a two-speed system of opportunity.
“Our capital has become an educational outlier while too many young people in the north-east, East Midlands and other parts of the country are growing up in very different worlds of opportunity,” he said. “England is no longer defined by a simple north-south divide. It is increasingly a story of London pulling away from much of the country. Talent is spread evenly across the country; opportunity is not.”
Political context and policy implications
The disparities come as the new prime minister, who has placed regional inequality near the top of his domestic agenda, pursues plans for greater devolution. Supporters of local power argue that regions need the freedom to tailor education strategies to local circumstances if they are to narrow attainment gaps.
Commentators say devolution may help, but its effectiveness will depend on the scale of resources and the policy levers handed to local authorities and combined authorities. Educational experts warn that structural causes — such as teacher recruitment, pay, and long-term funding patterns — must be addressed centrally as well as locally.
What this means for London families and students elsewhere
For London pupils, the strong results will ease university access for many, particularly to competitive courses and institutions. For families and pupils in the lagging regions, the numbers will intensify scrutiny of local education provision and the support offered to schools and college sixth forms.
- Students in London achieved 32.7% A*–A grades in 2026, the highest regional share.
- The East Midlands and North East were lowest on 23.1%, widening the regional gap.
- The A* grade gap between London and other regions has also increased substantially since 2019.
Ministers and local leaders will face pressure to explain how new policy proposals will translate into improved outcomes for pupils outside the capital. For parents and students seeking assistance, local councils, school leaders and further education colleges remain the first point of contact for appeals, support with university applications and alternatives to traditional A-level routes.
The picture in 2026 is a reminder that national education headlines can conceal deep and growing regional inequalities. Closing that divide will require sustained focus across government, local authorities and schools — and clear accountability for results.
Reporting from London.
