For thousands of students across the United Kingdom, Thursday, August 14, 2025, marks a pivotal moment: A Level Results Day. It's a day that stirs up a whirlwind of emotions—anxiety, excitement, relief, and, for many, sheer jubilation. But after the anxious wait and the dramatic envelope opening (or, these days, clicking through an email), what better way to celebrate—or commiserate—than by enjoying a meal out, especially when restaurants are rolling out the red carpet with a host of freebies and deals?
This year, a growing number of restaurant chains are seizing the spirit of Results Day, offering students a chance to treat themselves without breaking the bank. According to The Independent, the tradition of rewarding students for their hard work has become something of an annual fixture, with more eateries than ever joining the party in 2025. Whether you’re craving spicy chicken, Italian classics, or something sweet, there’s a deal for nearly every palate.
Chicken, Pizza, and Pad Thai: The Big Names Step Up
Nando’s, a perennial student favorite, is once again in the spotlight. For Results Day 2025, Nando’s is offering a free starter or a quarter chicken to any student who shows their student ID and A Level results at the till—provided they spend £7 or more. The offer is valid for dine-in or walk-in collect orders on August 14. As The Independent puts it, "If you fancy a Nando’s after opening your results, you can get a free quarter chicken or starter when you spend £7 or more. All you need to do is show your ID and proof of your results (paper or electronic) when you dine in on results day." Starters usually begin at £3.95, and a quarter chicken is typically £5.50, so it’s a decent deal for those looking to celebrate with a little PERi-PERi flair.
Frankie & Benny’s is also making headlines, offering a free margherita pizza (usually £11.75) to A Level students who dine in and purchase a regular soft drink. Gluten-free and vegan options are included, and students simply need to show proof of their 2025 exam results. As The Independent notes, "You can get juice as a soft drink for as cheap as £1.75, so you don’t need to spend more than £5 to get your free meal." It’s a simple gesture, but one that’s sure to draw crowds of hungry students.
For those with a taste for Asian cuisine, Banana Tree is offering a free chicken or tofu Pad Thai (usually around £15) when students buy a soft drink and sign up for a voucher on their website. Proof of results and ID are required, and only one voucher can be used per guest. It’s a great way to try something new without spending much—just make sure you register in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sweet Rewards and Family Feasts
Sweet tooth? Bill’s is offering a free dessert to A Level students who dine in and purchase a main meal. Students will need to show their physical results to claim the dessert, which typically starts at around £4.50. It’s a small treat, but after the stress of exams, sometimes that’s all you need to lift your spirits.
Las Iguanas is tempting students with four free churros (usually £6.75) on Results Day. No purchase is necessary—just bring proof of your exam results and enjoy this sweet treat. But be warned: the offer is only valid on August 14, so don’t wait too long to claim it.
If you’re planning a family celebration, Bella Italia’s offer is hard to beat. For tables of up to six, the restaurant is giving away a free starter and dessert for every person who buys a main meal, provided one guest shows proof of A Level exam results. Starters typically start at £4.99 and desserts at £5.29, making this a three-course meal to remember. As The Independent highlights, "The whole family can benefit from this one." It’s a generous way to turn Results Day into a full-blown celebration.
More Options: From Tea to Steak Frites
Pizza Express is joining the festivities, offering a free dessert with any main order between August 4 and August 17, when students show a valid UNiDAYS results day offer code. The offer is available Sunday to Friday during the promotional period, and students can also snag a 20% discount through the student discount site.
For those looking for a caffeine fix, Bird & Blend Tea Co. is offering a free iced matcha latte, worth £4.50, between 11am and 5pm on August 14. Students just need to present their A Level results and student ID at the cash desk, with 20 flavors to choose from.
Wagamama, while not offering a freebie, is giving students 25% off their bill from August 14 to August 20. To unlock the discount, students must join the Soul Club loyalty app and show proof of their A Level results. It’s a solid way to save if you’ve got a group of friends in tow.
TGI Fridays is offering a free main meal from Sunday to Thursday throughout August to students who have completed their GCSEs, A Levels, or NQ exams—so long as they dine with a friend who orders a full-priced adult main. To redeem, students need to show their exam results and say the magic words, "GRADSEATFREE." According to their website, "Just show us your exam results and say the magic words 'GRADSEATFREE' and you're in. Easy!"
At Côte Brasserie, students who took French A Level can enjoy free steak frites or a vegan burger when they show their French results and order one adult main dish. Those who didn’t take French aren’t left out—they can claim a free dessert with the purchase of an adult main dish and proof of results. As The Independent explains, "Côte Brasserie is also treating students to some freebies this results day."
Don’t Forget the Details
While these offers sound tempting, there are a few important caveats. Most deals are dine-in only, and students are advised to bring both their ID and physical or digital proof of results, as requirements can vary from restaurant to restaurant. Some chains, like Banana Tree, require advance registration for vouchers, while others, such as Pizza Express and Wagamama, ask students to join loyalty programs or present special codes. Always let your server know you’d like to redeem a results day deal before you order, and double-check that the discount has been applied to your bill before paying.
And if you’re caught up in the excitement of the day and can’t make it out on August 14, don’t worry—some offers, like those at TGI Fridays and Las Iguanas, extend for several days or even weeks after Results Day itself.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Results Day has always been a time of high emotion and memorable moments. As The Star reminisced in a recent photo feature, students from Wearside schools have been celebrating (and sometimes commiserating) together for decades, with images from 2008 to 2014 capturing the joy and relief on young faces. This year, the tradition continues—not just in exam halls and school corridors, but in restaurants and cafés across the country, where a new generation of students can mark the occasion with good food and good company.
Whether you’re celebrating top marks or simply the end of a long journey, the array of deals and freebies on offer this A Level Results Day is a testament to the enduring importance of this rite of passage. So grab your ID, your results slip, and maybe a few friends—and make the most of the day. After all, you’ve earned it.
