The latest A-Level results have unveiled notable regional disparities across England, as students across various regions received their grades. Data shows the divide between those achieving top marks remains significant, raising questions about the fairness and accessibility of education.
More than 31 percent of pupils from London and the South East obtained A or A grades, whereas only 24.6 percent from the North achieved similarly high results. This 6.5 percentage point gap persists, highlighting educational inequities stemming from historical and socio-economic factors.
The disparity has unfortunately widened since the pandemic brought upheaval to education systems. For context, back in 2019, the gap was 4.4 points, with 27.6 percent of students from the South achieving top grades compared to 23.2 percent from the North.
The North East—which has historically struggled the most—recorded 23.9 percent of top grades this year, reflecting slight improvements from 22 percent last year. Nevertheless, the gap with London, boasting 31.3 percent, has nearly doubled since 2019, indicating structural issues persist.
School leaders have suggested the pandemic's impact was felt unevenly throughout England. A study by the Education Policy Institute highlighted the severe learning losses experienced, particularly among students from the North East, North West, and Yorkshire, who faced months more disruption compared to their peers.
Sam Tuckett, Associate Director at the Education Policy Institute, stated, “There’s no one reason for the North-South divide.” Tuckett emphasized how long-term educational underachievement from early years severely hampers future performance.
He also pointed out how the distribution of poverty is contributing to this issue. Regions with higher poverty rates, predominantly found in the North, correlated with poorer educational outcomes since the pandemic.
Reading through the reports, it is clear absence due to Covid was also more pronounced among students from the North. According to Tuckett, the disruption to education has left many students struggling to catch up—especially those disadvantaged from the start.
While there’s discussion about returning to normalcy, many of the 2024 graduates still faced disrupted educational experiences. The new Labour government appears focused on addressing these disparities, aiming to rectify the longstanding issues affecting the North.
Henri Murison, from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, congratulated students across the North this year for their improved results, yet acknowledged the disparities still exist. He stated, “The higher proportion of those receiving A and A grades at A-Levels compared to last year across the North has seen the gap with better performing regions close.”
Despite the overall rise, the North continues to lag. Comparatively, 31.3 percent of students from London achieved top grades, with Northern students still finding it challenging to catch up entirely.
Interestingly, education officials noted all regions of England have witnessed year-on-year increases across A-level entries. The figures from 2024 show distinct growth across the board when compared to pre-pandemic years.
London retained the top spot for A or A grades, rising to 31.3 percent from 30 percent last year, highlighting its educational advantage. Conversely, the East Midlands fell behind with 22.5 percent, signifying stark contrasts between regions.
While the overall percentage of high grades awarded across England has increased, figures also reveal concerning trends among the most disadvantaged pupils. Data indicates how fewer students from Northern regions have the same level of access to university opportunities compared to their Southern counterparts.
When it came to university placements, over 82 percent of 18-year-old applicants secured their first choice. But, disparities mounted, with only 25.3 percent of 18-year-olds from the North East obtaining university spots, compared to 42.5 percent from London—further widening the educational gap.
This trend has not improved since last year, where the discrepancy was merely 15.3 percentage points. While various regions did report increases, the sustained inequalities remain apparent.
Local leaders are advocating for increased investment and support focused on reducing regional inequality. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson noted how location should not dictate students' achievements, asserting her commitment toward equitable educational opportunities.
Bridget Phillipson stated, “I want all young people to be able to choose the path that's right for them.” She emphasized the importance of allowing students the ability to forge pathways through traditional university routes or alternative vocational studies.
Interestingly, the A-Level grading system displayed improvements but reflected fading patterns from the pandemic's flood of higher grades. According to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), the proportion of A grades awarded has risen steadily since the 2010 benchmarks.
The current statistics reveal nearly one in ten A-level entries (9.3 percent) earned top grades this year, up from last year's 8.9 percent. Excluding pandemic years, this proportion is the highest recorded since A* grades were introduced.
Diving deep, results showed independent schools maintained significantly higher achievements than state schools. Around 49.4 percent of A-level entries awarded at independent institutions achieved A grades or above, versus only 22.3 percent at comprehensive schools—a gap of 27.1 points, emphasizing the disparities within the education system itself.
Despite the increases, leaders express concern over the widening achievement gap between private and state schools. The uneven access to quality education illustrates systemic issues continuing to overshadow progress.
Education sector authorities acknowledged the students of 2024 faced specific struggles, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, highlighted how the legacy of the pandemic still looms over today’s youth.
The Westminster Government’s aim to tackle inequality seems to align with calls for better support and resources to assist local education establishments. Ongoing initiatives should focus directly on addressing disparities between different regions.
Despite significant increases, this year’s A levels have once again spotlighted the enduring educational inequities faced by different demographics. The collective push from both local and governmental leaders aims to chip away at these gaps over time.
Consolidated efforts must maintain momentum as students strive for equitable education, regardless of background or geography. Success and opportunities for every student, no matter where they come from, should remain the priority as society steers back toward normalized educational expectations.
