A Level results 2023: London in pictures as students react with smiles and tears

Across London, students are receiving the A Level and BTEC results today - with all the celebrations and challenges that can bring.

The proportion of top A Level grades has been deliberately reduced following sharp rises during the pandemic - with the drop sharpest in England.

This year’s proportion of A or A* grades is 27.2%, which is down from a peak of 44.8%.

Chief regulator Dr Jo Saxton said: “Two years ago we set out a clear plan to return to pre-pandemic grading – a system that schools, colleges, universities and employers are all familiar with. As we said then, we expected overall A level results would be similar to 2019, and lower than in 2022. However, recognising the disruption that students have experienced, we put in place important grading protection to make sure that a student who would have secured a particular grade in 2019, would be just as likely to achieve that same grade this year. It is therefore more meaningful to compare this year’s results with those of 2019, the last summer exam series before the pandemic.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I want to offer my congratulations to every Londoner who is receiving their A Level, T Level and BTEC results today and wish them all the best for their futures. Students and teachers have worked incredibly hard to get here and I applaud their dedication and commitment. If your grades aren't quite what you expected or hoped for, please be reassured that there are many routes to success. I encourage you to speak with your teachers, parents, carers or guardians about your potential options or contact the National Careers Service for advice.”

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