August marked a busy month in the world of education, with the release of both A-level and GCSE results. Congratulations to all those who achieved or exceeded their predictions – it’s been quite a year!

After the cancellation of UK national exams for the second year running due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were thrilled to see that our students still achieved an impressive set of results, even under the adapted teacher-led assessments methods. Some spotlight examples include:

Results Across the UK

Students all around the UK also celebrated as grades reached a record high – with 44.8% of students achieving A* or A grades at A-level. Meanwhile GCSE students also received another set of record grades overall. Top grades (7/As and above) rose to 28.9% from 26.2% last year, while grades 4/Cs and above – seen as passes – rose to 77.1% up from 76.3%.

As a result, the sharp rise in top grades at A-level means that the proportion A*s and As has risen by almost 75% since the last time conventional exams were taken in 2019. With more students achieving higher grades and record numbers applying for university, there has been pressure on places for the most competitive universities and courses.

Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group of leading universities, warned increases in the top grades meant that some university courses “may not be able to accept students who narrowly missed their offer grades this time.” Despite this challenge, we are thrilled to announce that all of Quintessentially Education’s university clients still secured the places they were offered this year.

Medical Caps Lifted 

The increase in university applications and rise in top grades at A-level, plus a booming interest in the medical sphere as a positive impact of the pandemic has also led the government to adjust the cap on medical and dentistry places for courses in 2021. Following the announcement of teacher-led assessments, medical bodies lobbied the government to remove the cap on medical school places—which was previously set at approximately 7500 in England and 9500 in the UK—so that more eligible students could train to become doctors. Some universities, such as University of Exeter have even asked students who have accepted offers to study medicine in 2021 to delay until 2022; in return, providing free accommodation for their first year and a cash bursary of £10,000 “to spend on preparing yourself” at the end of October 2021.

If you are looking to seek independent advice after speaking to your school, Quintessentially Education have a wealth of experience in offering educational advice, so do not hesitate to reach out. Our team remain on hand should students need any advice on how to proceed with university applications and/or examination remarks or retakes.