A-level results: Record numbers secure university places

The overall A to E pass rate has fallen in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the first time in 32 years.

17:42 14 August 2014

A-level results are in and number shows that the pass rate has fallen in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the first time in 32 years. However, the results also showed that record numbers secured university places with almost 400,000 already accepted on to degree courses as early as now. 

 

The overall A*-E pass rate is down by 0.1per cent to 98per cent—the first time it has fallen since 1982. Boys are ahead of the girls after getting 8% of the entries attaining an A* while girls got 7.4per cent. The numbers also show that students opted for more academic subjects like English, maths, and science. 

 

Ucas chief executive Mary Curnock Cook said: 'Today's numbers are a reflection of the continuing strong demand for higher education. 

 

'A combination of extra places available and the falling population of 18-year-olds means that students are in a good position to secure a place this year.

 

'Alongside the impressive numbers, this is also a story about individuals who have made a life-defining decision to invest in their personal growth and position themselves for a more fulfilling life and career.'