Top A-level grades fall but remain above Covid levels - see full stats

A-level results confirmed as top grades drop by 10% – but stay above pre-pandemic levels

If you're joining us this lunchtime we are now winding down our live coverage of Results Day 2023.

A huge congratulations to everyone across the country opening those envelopes this morning.

For those of you have been out and about today, here's the headlines:

The fraction of A-level entries awarded top grades is down on last year but still remains above pre-pandemic levels, it was confirmed this morning.

Hundreds of thousands of students across the country have received their A-level results in a year when ministers and the exams regulator in England aimed to return to pre-pandemic grading.

More than a quarter (27.2%) of UK entries were awarded an A or A* grade, down by 9.2 percentage points on last year when 36.4% achieved the top grades.

(James Maloney/Lancs Live)

However, this was still higher than in 2019 – the last year that summer exams were taken before the pandemic – when 25.4% of entries were awarded A or A* grades.

The overall pass rate – the proportion of entries graded A* to E – has fallen to 97.3% this year, which is lower than 2022 (98.4%) and the pre-pandemic year of 2019 (97.6%).

The A*-E pass rate is at its lowest level since 2008 when it stood at 97.2%

The figures, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), cover A-level entries from students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Striking teacher forced to take a second job to pay bills ahead of mass walkout

In England, exams regulator Ofqual had said this year’s A-level results would be lower than last year and they would be similar to those in 2019 as part of efforts to return to pre-pandemic grading.

It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

Overall, the proportion of UK entries awarded the top A* grade this year has fallen by 5.7 percentage points to 8.9% compared with 14.6% in 2022, but it is higher than when it stood at 7.7% in 2019.

Boys have pulled ahead of girls at the top grade this year after female entries were in front for the last three years, with A* grades at 9.1% for the former compared with 8.8% for the latter.

Girls continued to outperform boys at A* and A but the gender gap has narrowed again this year.

Education Secretary defends A-level pass rate

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan defended the A*-E pass rate which is at its lowest level since 2008.

She told reporters at the City of London Academy Islington, in north London: "The pass rate for A-levels actually is a very good pass rate." She went on: "If you look at the results in 2019, actually more are getting higher grades - As and A*s - than were doing in 2019 just by a little bit.

"So I think the pass rates do differ and you know, obviously, the exams differ, the cohorts differ, but what I will say is this year's exam results are fantastic results. Brilliant in terms of destinations - people being able to go on to universities - we've had three million young people look at apprenticeships now we've got them on the Ucas site as well and 350,000 of them have gone on and clicked on to look at more detail of that to get the applications etcetera.

"There are so many more opportunities for young people and I just want to say congratulations to them, they're fantastic. Well done, and enjoy where you're going to next."

Nearly 80 per cent secure place at their first-choice university

A total 79 per cent of 18-year-old pupils have gained a place at their first choice university after receiving their results today.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "Congratulations to everyone receiving results today. There are more opportunities than ever before so whatever your results, I’m sure you will have a bright future ahead of you.

"It's fantastic to see the number of young people accepted to university - including to their first choice - continue to be up on the years before the pandemic, while thousands more go off to exciting apprenticeships and the world of work. As always, there are a wide range of fantastic options for those who did not get the results they hoped for, and students can find out more by visiting the UCAS website or through the National Careers Service.”

Elliot Andrews, Ollie Jo Green, Adam Roberts and Julian Dilawar celebrate getting their results (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

London teen heading to Cambridge after achieving A*A*A

One student from London is heading off to Cambridge after achieving two A*'s and an A.

Brampton Manor Academy tweeted: "Congratulations to Jamal who achieve A*A*A and who is off to Cambridge to study Economics. A fantastic result. Well done Jamal."

Cambridge University replied: "Many congratulations on your A-level results, Jamal! We're delighted you're #GoingToCambridge – see you soon!"

Congratulations to Jamal who achieve A*A*A and who is off to Cambridge to study Economics. A fantastic result. Well done Jamal. pic.twitter.com/8o9Y9kNe8F

— Brampton Manor (@BramptonManor1) August 17, 2023

Students tell of their plans after receiving results

A student with dreams of a career in architecture said he will take a year out after being scouted for modelling work at a music festival.

Archie McIntyre, 18, of Loddon, Norfolk, collected his A-level grades at nearby Langley School, with Bs in geography and design and technology, and a C in business. "I've been wanting to go into architecture basically my whole life but I'm delaying that by a year to just find what I really want to do with everything, have a step back from it all and explore some other career paths," he said.

"I went to a festival and was scouted by a couple of modelling agencies so I'm going to go this year and hopefully do some shoots for them, go travelling and see my grandad in Australia, end up in India for a couple of weeks, and hopefully do some work for a big company that manufactures engines."

Meanwhile, a cricketer who achieved the grades she needs to study physiotherapy said that disruption through the pandemic was hard but teachers "helped us get through it all quite smoothly". May Drinkell, 18, of Bungay, Suffolk, collected her grades at Langley School near Loddon in Norfolk on Thursday, achieving a B in A-level chemistry, C in maths and a distinction in BTec sport.

"I was feeling a bit nervous, the build up's been quite a while, I had the summer to let it marinate but I'm happy with how it went and I'm just glad it's all over really now," she said. She said her first choice is to study physiotherapy at UEA in Norwich alongside her cricket training.

And Charlie Findlay, 18, is going off to study Maths at Warwick University after getting two A* grades in Maths and Further Maths and As in Chemistry and Physics at Shrewsbury College in Shropshire. He said: "I revised really hard, I knew I had done well."

Alicia Duffus looks at her A-level results at Plantsbrook School in Birmingham (PA)

A-level results freebies and discounts for students - from Nando's to TGI Fridays

Whatever happens today, students should be proud of the hard work they have put into their studies this year and definitely deserve a treat.

Some of the UK's most popular chains are offering freebies and discounts to students today (August 17) and you can bag them by simply showing a copy of your results. Many of these offers will also be made available to students receiving their GCSE results on Thursday, August 24.

From Nando's to Frankie and Benny's to Bill's many will be spoilt for choice on where to go - find some of the deals that will be on offer for students here.

Students at Plantsbrook School in Birmingham open their results (PA)

What to do if you didn’t get the results you wanted and how to appeal

It is understandable you will feel disappointed in not achieving the marks you had hoped for. However, it is important to know that these results are not the only measure of success and there are multiple routes you can take to get to where you want.

The charity YoungMinds has put together a list of helpful resources on how to practice self-care, keep things in perspective and what to do if you don't get the results you want. And if you've found you've barely missed the passing mark, you can try and speak with your school or college. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, your school will contact the exam board on your behalf and ask for your marks to be reviewed.

If you still think you've been unfairly graded after a review, you can request that your school or college appeals. The exam board will then consider correcting your mark and if you are still not satisfied you can request a further review from the exam watchdog Ofqual.

Read more here.

PM hails Jeremy Clarkson's infamous tweet as he congratulates students

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Jeremy Clarkson's annual A-level tweet as he congratulated students today.

Retweeting the former Top Gear host's post, he said: "Jeremy has made a career of being the exception not the rule but he does have a good point here: Results day is important, but not necessarily a deal-breaker. Whatever results you got today, there are lots of options available to you.

He added in a further tweet: "If you haven’t got the results you wanted, don’t panic – talk to your college or school about your options or a National Careers Service adviser if you need extra support. And remember, there are always options available to you."

Jeremy has made a career of being the exception not the rule but he does have a good point here: Results day is important, but not necessarily a deal-breaker.

Whatever results you got today, there are lots of options available to you https://t.co/Fkku7iNdhg

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) August 17, 2023

A-level grade percentages by nation and region

Here are the percentages of A-level entries awarded the top grades (A*/A) by nation and region, with the equivalent figures for both 2022 and the pre-pandemic year of 2019:

• North-east England 22.0% (2022: 30.8%; 2019: 23.0%)
• North-west England 24.1% (2022: 34.4%; 2019: 23.5%)
• Yorkshire & the Humber 23.0% (2022: 32.4%; 2019: 23.2%)
• West Midlands 22.9% (2022: 32.3%; 2019: 22.0%)
• East Midlands 22.3% (2022: 31.4%; 2019: 21.0%)
• Eastern England 26.6% (2022: 36.1%; 2019: 25.6%)
• South-west England 26.3% (2022: 36.0%; 2019: 25.8%)
• South-east England 30.3% (2022: 39.5%; 2019: 28.3%)
• London 30.0% (2022: 39.0%; 2019: 26.9%)
• England 26.5% (2022: 35.9%; 2019: 25.2%)
• Wales 34.0% (2022: 40.9%; 2019: 26.5%)
• Northern Ireland 37.5% (2022: 44.0%; 2019: 29.4%)
• All 27.2% (2022: 36.4%; 2019: 25.4%)

Students react after receiving their A-level results at City of London College (Getty Images)

Here is the A-level pass rate (entries awarded A*-E grades) by nation and region:

• North-east England 97.6% (2022: 98.6%; 2019: 98.3%)
• North-west England 97.4% (2022: 98.7%; 2019: 97.9%)
• Yorkshire & the Humber 97.2% (2022: 98.4%; 2019: 97.8%)
• West Midlands 96.8% (2022: 98.2% 2019: 97.1%)
• East Midlands 96.9% (2022: 98.4%; 2019: 97.4%)
• Eastern England 97.3% (2022: 98.4%; 2019: 97.6%)
• South-west England 97.4% (2022: 98.5%; 2019: 97.7%)
• South-east England 97.5% (2022: 98.6%; 2019: 97.8%)
• London 96.9% (2022: 98.2%; 2019: 96.8%)
• England 97.2% (2022: 98.4%; 2019: 97.5%)
• Wales 97.5% (2022: 98.0%; 2019: 97.6%)
• Northern Ireland 98.8% (2022: 99.1%; 2019: 98.4%)

• All 97.3% (2022: 98.4%; 2019: 97.6%)

What your results mean now that pre-pandemic grading is back

For many pupils who did their A-levels, this is the first year they may have sat formal exams because GCSEs were disrupted during the pandemic.

This year is also the first year that results will return to pre-pandemic grading. Ofqual, the exams watchdog for England has told schools that tougher grade boundaries have been imposed, meaning national results for A-levels and GCSEs may be lower than last summer.

Find out what you can do if you didn't get the A-level results you wanted and how you can appeal here.

Students at Plantsbrook School in Birmimgham open their A-level results (PA)

Key statistics in this year's A-level results

Here are the main figures in this year’s A-level results:

• The proportion of candidates receiving top grades has fallen from last year, but remains higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 27.2% of entries were awarded either an A or A*, down from 36.4% in 2022 but up from 25.4% in 2019.
• Around one in 11 (8.9%) of entries received an A*. This is down from around one in seven in 2022 (14.6%), but higher than the figure in 2019, which was 7.7%.
• The overall pass rate (grades A* to E) was 97.3%. This is down from 98.4% in 2022 and also below 2019, which was 97.6%. It is the lowest figure since 2008, when it stood at 97.2%.
• Some 76.0% received a C or above, down from 82.6% in 2022 but just above the pre-pandemic figure of 75.9% in 2019.
• The lead enjoyed by girls over boys in the top grades has narrowed. The proportion of girls who got A or higher this year was 27.5%, 0.6 percentage points higher than boys (26.9%). Last year, girls led boys by 2.2 percentage points (37.4% girls, 35.2% boys).
• By contrast, boys have reclaimed their lead over girls in the highest grade, A*. The proportion of boys who got A* this year was 9.1%, 0.3 points higher than girls (8.8%). Girls had moved in front of boys in 2020 and remained ahead in 2021 and 2022. Boys had led girls at A* from 2012 through to 2019.
• The most popular subject this year was maths, for the 10th year in a row. It had 96,853 entries, up 1.3% on 2022.
• German saw the biggest drop in candidates for a single subject with more than 1,000 entries, falling by 15.9% from 2,803 in 2022 to 2,358 this year.
• A total of 867,658 A-levels were awarded, up 2.2% on last year’s 848,910.

Matthew Evans receives his A Level results at Ffynone House School (Getty Images)

Results are in - top grades drop by 10% but stay above Covid levels

More than a quarter (27.2%) of UK entries were awarded an A or A* grade, down by 9.2 percentage points on last year when 36.4% achieved the top grades.

However, this was still higher than in 2019 – the last year that summer exams were taken before the pandemic – when 25.4% of entries were awarded A or A* grades.

The overall pass rate – the proportion of entries graded A* to E – has fallen to 97.3% this year, which is lower than 2022 (98.4%) and the pre-pandemic year of 2019 (97.6%).

The A*-E pass rate is at its lowest level since 2008 when it stood at 97.2%

The figures, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), cover A-level entries from students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Students at Brighton Girls school receive their A-level results (PA)

Grade boundaries for AQA, OCR and Edexcel exam boards

Students are braced for lower exam results than last year, but they are expected to be similar to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Each year, examination boards draw up a system to determine what grade pupils will receive in their A-level exams or coursework. The boundaries show the minimum number of marks you need for each grade, and are published either before or on results day.

Once all exam papers have been marked, grade boundaries are set for each exam by senior examiners and the system will depend on how difficult the exam was for candidates. Find the grade boundaries for your relevant exam board in the links below.

AQA

Grade boundaries for summer 2023 will be available on the AQA website here from 8am.

OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA)

Grade boundaries for AS, A-level, Cambridge Technicals, Core Maths, Extended Project and FSMQ will be available on the OCR website here from 8am.

Pearson Edexcel 2023 grade boundaries

AS and A-level and BTEC National grade boundaries for summer 2023 will be available on the Pearson website here from 8am.

Matthew Evans hugs his mum after receiving his A-level results (Getty Images)

Students seen opening their A-level results in Brighton and Norfolk

Students have started opening up their A-level results.

Lili Connell was one of those seen getting her grades with her parents eagerly watching on at Brighton Girls school in East Sussex. Meanwhile, teenagers Richard Osborne and Rhys Marjoram were pictured looking at their results at Langley School in Norfolk

The pictures come as the Education Secretary says that this year's A-levels cohort had "a lot to deal with" and had shown "incredible resilience" as she congratulated them on their grades. Gillian Keegan also said the latest Ucas figures showed the UK Government was "right to put the grading system back to normal".

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We've just had the Ucas figures out... which is that 79% of those students receiving their results today got their first choice of university. And that is up from 74% in 2019. And the great news is that 16,500 students on free school meals gained a place at university, which is a 60% increase from 2019 and 14% up from last year.

"So in terms of destinations, this cohort has done incredibly well and most of them - 79% - have actually got their first choice of university. So hopefully that will lead everybody to understand that we were right to put the grading system back to normal.

"The university admissions officers know how to deal with these differences, they know how to deal with the difference from previous cohorts and they also know how to deal with differences between the English system and the Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish."

Lili Connell (second left) opens her A-level results with her parents (PA)

A-level results have been 'very positive', says Ucas boss

Ucas chief executive Clare Marchant has said A-level results have been a "very positive picture" and praised a cohort of students who are sitting external exams for the first time.

The CEO told the Today programme there has been a slight drop in the number of students getting a place at their first choice university. Ms Marchant said that 79% of students had got their first choice at university meaning that they can "just go out and celebrate".

She said: "Yes, a slight drop from last year, which is what we expected as we return to the normal grading but again significantly up from the 74% back in 2019 and that is what we expected." When asked about what advice she had for students who didn't get their first choice should do she added: "Just think about your next step.

"We have got 29,000 courses in clearing as I sit here today and around 8,000 apprenticeships on UCAS. There is plenty of choice. The really key thing if you're students or a parent, or guardian, is to just take a little bit of time. If you haven't already done the research to think through what's right for you."

John Bose smiles after receiving his A Level at Ffynone House School in Swansea (Getty Images)

Best student bank accounts with free £100 cash, 0% overdrafts and railcards

If you’re moving into higher education, there are plenty of student bank accounts available that offer perks such as 0% overdrafts and free cash. To open a student bank account, you’ll normally need to provide proof that you’re off to university.

For example, you'll need your UCAS code or confirmation letter to show you’ve been offered a place. If you have a conditional offer, you’ll need to show evidence of your A-Level results.

You need to be 18 or over to get an overdraft, but some banks will let you open a student account with them when you are 17. Your student bank account will normally turn into a regular bank account once your course finishes.

Find out some of the student bank accounts available right now, in our story here.

Jeremy Clarkson once again tweets his annual brag about failing A-levels

In case you didn't know, Jeremy Clarkson got a C and two U's for his A-levels.

Every year, the former Top Gear presenter takes to Twitter to remind teenagers that they can still be successful even if they fail their exams. He said this morning: "It’s not the end of the world if your A level results aren’t what you’d hoped for.

"I got a C and 2 Us and here I am today with my own brewery." His annual tradition goes all the way back to 2014, when he posted: "If your A level results aren't joyous take comfort from the fact I got a C and two Us. And I have a Mercedes Benz."

It’s not the end of the world if your A level results aren’t what you’d hoped for. I got a C and 2 Us and here I am today with my own brewery.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) August 17, 2023

Fewer students accepted on UK degree courses than last year - Ucas

The number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has fallen this year, Ucas figures show.

A total of 414,940 applicants (of all ages and domiciles) have gained a place at university or college - down 2.6% on the same point last year, according to data published by the university admissions service. For 18-year-olds in the UK, 230,600 applicants have been accepted - down 3.1% on last year.

Overall, 19,010 UK 18-year-old applicants have missed the conditions of their university offer and are now eligible to find places in clearing, compared to 15,090 last year and 17,270 in 2019. Ucas said 79% of 18-year-old applicants from the UK have gained a place at their first choice university or college, which is down from 81% last year but up from 74% in 2019 - the year before the pandemic.

Nearly one in ten (9%) have not been placed at their first or insurance choice and are now in clearing, Ucas said, compared to 7% last year and 12% in 2019. The number of 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK to gain places on courses is 25,760 this year, compared to 26,440 last year.

The number of 18-year-olds from the most advantaged backgrounds in the UK to be accepted is 76,780, compared to 79,650 in 2022. The admissions service said this means that for every disadvantaged student, 2.30 advantaged students progress compared to 2.29 last year.

Best-paying jobs where you can earn up to £68,000 without a degree

Hundreds of thousands of students are picking up their A-Level results today, with many anxiously waiting to find out if they’re off to university this September.

But you don’t always need a university degree to climb up the ladder into a well-paid career. New research from Adzuna has revealed the best-paying 15 jobs which don’t require a university education - and they pay up to £68,000.

There are 96 vacancies this month for a Javascript Developer - someone who designs software and applications - and Adzuna says it is possible to get a salary of up to £67,948 for this role. The second best-paying job on the list is for a dental hygienist - it is possible to study for this role by taking a BTEC level 3 qualification in dental technology and this could pay up to £58,570.

In third place, Adzuna says it is possible to earn up to £58,199 as a real estate agent and there are 556 vacancies for this type of job in August. Of course, with any of these roles, you will need experience in these fields which will likely require you to take a lower position first and to work your way up.

Read more here.

Parenting experts offer their top tips for results day

For those who don't get the grades they were expecting or hoping for, however opening the fateful envelope can spark a range of unpleasant emotions - shock, sadness, regret, and even shame.

"Receiving your A-Level results, or any result at all, can be a tough moment in one's journey, with the outcome possibly impacting one's plans for the future," says Dr Jeri Tikare, clinical psychologist at Kooth Digital Health. "Bearing this in mind, it's easy to see how one can be left with tricky feelings if the results do not meet one's expectations."

Psychology and education experts advise on how you can be there for your child on results day and beyond...

Be empathetic

"Make them aware that it is natural and possible to have a mixture of emotions - some of which could include sadness centred around the loss of their dreams of success, anxiety about what the future holds, anger at the self ('I should have worked harder'), anger at others ('They did not offer me enough help'), and other emotions," says Tikare.

Instead of brushing their reactions under the rug, try openly discussing and normalising whatever feelings arise. "We know that repressing our emotions can lead to heightened stress and anxiety," says Tikare. "Recognising and acknowledging the emotions that the student is experiencing can serve as an initial step towards effectively addressing them."

Don't make them feel worse

"Rather than focusing on any negativity about exam performance, chances to have revised harder or emphasising what they've missed out on, look at all the options and reassure them making a different plan isn't the end of the world," Owen adds.

"It's the start of their future, and there are so many opportunities for them to get excited about - whether that's finding a different course or uni place, going into a different form of training like an apprenticeship, or deciding to enter the world of work now."

Offer guidance

"Try to resist the urge to 'save' the young person," Tikare says. "Let them know how proud you are of them, that it is not the end of the world and that despite the pain, things like this happen." Instead of jumping in and telling your teen exactly what to do now, help them consider their next steps.

"Now the initial emotions have passed, it's time to make a plan," says Owen. "Speaking to a professional can really help as they can give an objective and impartial view of the situation, and offer solutions you might not have considered yet."

Signpost support

"It can be helpful for the student to reach out to trusted people around them, whether it's a friend, family member, teacher, or counsellor," says Tikare. "Having someone to talk to can provide emotional support and a listening ear. Remind them that they do not have to go through this alone."

And finally, Owen adds, "Focus on the positives - planning their future is exciting, even if there are curveballs."

Lili Connell (centre) opens her A-level results with her parents (PA)

A-level grades will return 'back to normal', says Education Secretary

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said A-level grades would return "back to normal" with pre-pandemic grading expected to lead to lower grades than last year.

She told GB News: "First of all, the grading system will not impact the university places. It is very normal that the predicted grades that people get... I think only one in five actually get their predicted grades or above, so this is a very normal part of the system.

"So the actual university places and access to university is still exactly the same as it was. If they had got a B and gone to university in 2019, they will get a B and go to university in 2023. All we have done is, and this is really important because our exams, both GCSEs and A-levels, are highly regarded across the world and we want to make sure they keep that value.

"Obviously we needed to go back from teacher-assessed grades and we did that last year but now we are going back to the normal grading system, and that will make sure that these hold their value and that they do have true value."

Harry Waite and Luke Shannon at St Margaret's C of E Academy, Aigburth (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Huge changes to student loans from September - how it affects you

Major changes to student loans are to be introduced for everyone who is starting university from this September.

Choosing to go to university is a big decision for millions of young people to make and last year the Government announced major changes to how students cover the costs. This is the second major reform the Government has made on University costs since 2012 with the latter being the decision to triple tuition costs from £3,000 to £9,000.

The changes announced have likely made the decision to go down the university route even harder for some students. This only affects those starting university from this year - those who started their studies in 2022 will not be impacted and will be on a different student loan plan.

The changes also only affect those studying who are from England - students from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are on different plans.

Read more here.

How will this year compare to last?

Last year, more than a third (36.4%) of UK A-level entries were awarded A or A* grades, compared to 44.8% in 2021 and 38.5% in 2020.

Students could face more competition for university places this year due to a growth in 18-year-olds in the population and international demand, it has been suggested. In England, exams regulator Ofqual has said this year’s A-level results will be lower than last year – but they are expected to be similar to those in 2019.

In 2019 – the last summer before the pandemic – around one in four (25.4%) UK A-level entries were awarded A or A* grades. But in Wales and Northern Ireland, exam regulators have said they do not expect to return to pre-pandemic grading standards until 2024.

The cohort of students who are receiving their A-level results did not sit GCSE exams and were awarded teacher-assessed grades amid the pandemic. Leaders in the education sector have warned that this cohort could face greater disappointment on A-level results day as they may have higher expectations after receiving record high GCSE results in 2021.

Student Danielle Owusu Ansah celebrates her A-Level results at City of London College (Getty Images)

Experts' warning for those leaving school

Teenagers are leaving school without the skills businesses need, experts have told the Mirror.

As youngsters prepare to collect A-level, T-level and BTEC results on Thursday, education and industry chiefs feared they may not have what firms are looking for. They demanded a shake-up to equip kids with the skills companies want - and called for an overhaul of the T-level qualification.

Writing exclusively for the Mirror, Northern Powerhouse Partnership chief executive Henri Murison and Hartlepool College principal Darren Hankey say: “Many business and education leaders agree that these new qualifications could be part of the solution to tackling widespread skills shortages, particularly here in the North of England.

“Unfortunately, they are suffering from what the Ofsted chief inspector has described as ‘teething issues’ - high dropout rates, huge pressures on colleges and problems with industrial placements.”

Read more here

A-Level results day is here!

Young people are turning away from higher education amid the continuing cost-of-living crisis, research has suggested.

A study by the Co-op and children's charity Barnardo's indicated a shift in how youngsters prioritise basic needs. A survey of more than 5,000, 10 to 25-year-olds across the UK uncovered the "stark impact" the rising cost of living is having on young people's access to food, mental well-being and opportunities for the future.

The report comes as youngsters prepare to collect A-level, T-level and BTEC results on Thursday. More than a third of those quizzed said their family have had issues buying or accessing food, with the same number having turned to foodbanks or other handouts over the past six months.

Read more here.

Habib Matlib receives his A-level results with his parents in Swansea (Getty Images)