Congratulations to All Students: Reflections on A-Level Results 2025
This year’s A-level results arrive against the backdrop of a complex and shifting educational landscape. Nationally, 28.3% of A-level entries achieved top grades (A or A*), with 9.4% awarded A*, a return to pre-pandemic standards and an encouraging sign for academic recovery. Yet even as these headline figures paint a picture of progress, they also hide enduring inequalities. In London, 32.1% of students earned top grades, while in the North East it was just 22.9%, underlining persistent regional disparities.
While grade distributions have returned to pre-pandemic standards, which means that for many students, achieving their targets has been harder than in recent years, less advantaged students still face ongoing barriers, including lower university entry rates and higher drop-out risks. At the same time, we continue to see stark differences in outcomes between young people from under-resourced backgrounds and their more advantaged peers.
Against this backdrop, the achievements we’re celebrating today carry even greater significance. They are not just individual milestones; they represent resilience and a reminder of what is possible when the right support network is in place.
One student, who began receiving tuition from Equal Education at Level 1, has now achieved a Merit in his BTEC, the equivalent of a C at A-level, a great result for a student that started at Level 1 with his previous tutor. This is a remarkable testament to his own determination, supported every step of the way by his family and dedicated tutor.
The journey of another student breaking barriers at Equal Education has profoundly stayed with me. Initially out of school for a significant period, this student, with our support, has undergone a remarkable transformation.Through our advocacy, they pursued the right GCSEs, excelled in them, and have now achieved outstanding A-level results (A in Computer Science, B in Physics, and C in Mathematics). Seeing their growth and newfound confidence has been truly inspiring.
These are not isolated successes; they're a testament to how early intervention, advocacy, and sustained support can change lives. In a landscape marked by disparity, these examples show us what's possible. When access to personalized help is not guaranteed for every student, we must double down on our commitment to ensuring that no young person is left behind.
To all students, parents, and tutors celebrating today, your efforts, resilience, and perseverance are true achievements. We remain committed to supporting you, championing the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, no matter where they start.
CEO and Founder, Paul Singh
