A-level results day and UCAS clearing: Universities accept thousands fewer students as pass rates hit lowest level since 2010 - as it happened

Teenagers opened their A-level results across the country

Top ten universities in the UK for student satisfaction, according to Times Higher Education

Tens of thousands of teenagers received their A-level results across the country amid major changes to exams.

The number of students who secured pass grades at A-level dropped to its lowest point in eight years - but the proportion of students who received top grades (A* or A) rose slightly.

Last year, grades were awarded in the first 13 reformed A-level subjects in England - which have moved towards final exams after two years. Students received grades in a further 11 reformed subjects on Thursday.

See below how we covered A-level results day

For the second year running, boys outperformed girls at the top grades. Experts had predicted that the linear structure of the new qualifications – with less coursework and AS levels no longer counting towards the A-level grade - would favour boys.

Tens of thousands of courses were still available in clearing on the morning of results day – including at the Russell Group, which are considered to be the top universities.

Key Points

• Tens of thousands of students opened their A-level results 
• A-level pass grades (A* to E) hit an eight-year low amid major exam reforms
• More students took Chinese at A-level than German as uptake of languages continued to decline
• Fewer students have been accepted on to UK degree courses this year, figures showed
• Thousands of university courses were still available through clearing

[15 August 2018 16:26 · Eleanor Busby]

Tens of thousands of students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are anxiously waiting to open their A-level exam results tomorrow - which schools across the country were given today.

[15 August 2018 16:50 · Eleanor Busby]

The wait is not only nerve-wracking for students. It can be stressful for parents too. Here is our useful guide to clearing: 

[15 August 2018 17:30 · Eleanor Busby]

There have been major changes to A-levels in England - with a move away from coursework and modules.

Under the reforms, students are assessed on exams at the end of the two years. 

Last year, grades were awarded in the first 13 subjects to be reformed. 

Students will receive grades in a further 11 reformed subjects tomorrow morning.

[15 August 2018 18:00 · Eleanor Busby]

It is good for students to prepare for clearing - just in case. Here are some alternative options: 

[15 August 2018 18:30 · Eleanor Busby]

A-level results can be a day of highs and lows. Here are some highs

[15 August 2018 19:03 · Eleanor Busby]

[15 August 2018 19:30 · Eleanor Busby]

Keen A-level students used to look out for the grade boundaries for their exams before results day - but the exam boards decided last year (which they have continued this year) not to issue these until tomorrow to stop students making presumptions of grades on social media. 

[15 August 2018 20:00 · Eleanor Busby]

[15 August 2018 20:30 · Eleanor Busby]

Going to Oxbridge is not right for everyone. Jenna Hawkey tells her story about getting into Oxford 

[15 August 2018 21:01 · Eleanor Busby]

Do not fret if you do not get the A-level results you want as tens of thousands of courses will be available through Ucas