The publication methodology, available on the publication report, should be referenced alongside this data. It provides information on the data sources, their coverage and quality as well as explaining methodology used in producing the data.
It should be noted that the information published for 2019/20 differs from other academic years due to disruption to the awarding process as part of the COVID-19 response.
Coverage
This statistical release includes results for 16 to 18 year olds in England who reached the end of their 16 to 18 study in 2019/20.
Where data refers solely to specific exam cohorts, or institution types (such as only covering state-funded students), this is specified.
The information is based on data collected by awarding organisations.
File formats and conventions
This dataset has not had suppression applied.
A marker of ‘not applicable’ (n/a) has been used where appropriate.
Data files
All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.
A level entries and results (end of 16-18 study) by STEM subject and student characteristics
Filename
03_national_alevel_counts_stem.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
A level grades achieved by STEM subject and student characteristics.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Includes pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
a_grade_achieved
A.
astar_grade_achieved
A*
b_grade_achieved
B.
c_grade_achieved
C.
characteristic_gender
Gender
characteristic_value
Characteristic
d_grade_achieved
D.
e_grade_achieved
E.
subject_name
A level subject
total_students
Total number of students
u_grade_achieved
U.
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.
'Total maths' includes all maths subjects except further maths.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
A level entries and results (end of 16-18 study) by subject and student characteristics
Filename
03_national_alevel_counts.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
A level grades achieved by subject and student characteristics.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Includes pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
a_grade_achieved
A.
astar_grade_achieved
A*
b_grade_achieved
B.
c_grade_achieved
C.
characteristic_gender
Gender
characteristic_value
Characteristic
d_grade_achieved
D.
e_grade_achieved
E.
subject_name
A level subject
total_students
Total number of students
u_grade_achieved
U.
Footnotes
'Total classical studies' includes Greek, Latin, classical civilisation, and other classical studies
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
'Total English' includes English language, English literature, and English language and literature
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
'Total other modern languages' includes all modern languages except French, German and Spanish.
EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.
'Total maths' includes all maths subjects except further maths.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
A level entries by grade achieved, subject and student gender.
Includes entries in the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
a
A.
b
B.
c
C.
characteristic_gender
Gender
d
D.
e
E.
other
Other
star
A*
star_to_a
A*-A
star_to_e
A*-E
subject
Subject
total
Exam entries
Footnotes
'Other' includes ungraded, no award (absent/declined) and pending.
'Other modern languages' refers to modern languages with lower number of entries. It excludes French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Polish and Russian.
'Total classical studies' includes Greek, Latin, classical civilisation, and other classical studies
Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
'Total English' includes English language, English literature, and English language and literature
'Total other modern languages' includes all modern languages except French, German and Spanish.
Percentages are rounded to one decimal place and may not sum to the grouped grade totals.
'Total maths' includes all maths subjects except further maths.
A level grade combinations by student characteristics
Filename
grades_by_characteristic_may.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
A level grade combinations achieved, by student characteristics.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
AAA
A/A/A or better
AAB
A/A/B or better
AAC
A/A/C or better
ABB
A/B/B or better
ABC
A/B/C or better
BBB
B/B/B or better
BBC
B/B/C or better
CCC
C/C/C or better
characteristic_value
Characteristic
DDD
D/D/D or better
EEE
E/E/E or better
star1A
A*/A/A or better
star2A
A*/A*/A or better
star3
A*/A*/ A* or better
starAB
A*/A/B or better
total
Total number of students entered
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study (excluding general studies and critical thinking), after discounting of exams. Includes pending awards.
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.
AS level entries by grade achieved, subject and student gender.
Includes entries in the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
a
A
a_to_e
A-E
b
B
c
C
characteristic_gender
Gender
d
D
e
E
other
Other
subject
Subject
total
Exam entries
Footnotes
'Other' includes ungraded, no award (absent/declined) and pending.
'Other modern languages' refers to modern languages with lower number of entries. It excludes French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Polish and Russian.
'Total classical studies' includes Greek, Latin, classical civilisation, and other classical studies
Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
'Total English' includes English language, English literature, and English language and literature
'Total other modern languages' includes all modern languages except French, German and Spanish.
Percentages are rounded to one decimal place and may not sum to the grouped grade totals.
'Total maths' includes all maths subjects except further maths.
% of Level 3 vocational students entered for applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels
% Level 3 vocational students entered for tech levels
school_type
Institution
students_achieving_tech_bacc
Number of students achieving tech baccalaureate
Footnotes
The total number of students may be higher than the sum of separate institution types as students who attend multiple institutions during 16 to 18 can be included more than once in institution breakdowns. More information can be found in the Quality and Methodology section.
'All state funded schools' includes city technology colleges (CTCs) and state-funded special schools. Figures for these institution types are not shown separately in the table. Excludes pupil referral units (PRUs), alternative provision (AP), hospital schools, non-maintained special schools, independent schools, independent special schools and independent schools approved to take pupils with special educational needs (SEN). These institution types are included in 'All schools'.
The denominator for this percentage is Students entered for ≥ 1 A level.
The denominator for this percentage is Number of A level students.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels, applied A levels or AS levels.
The denominator for this percentage is Students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level.
% of Level 3 vocational students entered for applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels
% Level 3 vocational students entered for tech levels
students_achieving_tech_bacc
Number of students achieving tech baccalaureate
Footnotes
The denominator for this percentage is Students entered for ≥ 1 A level.
The denominator for this percentage is Number of A level students.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
Students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels, applied A levels or AS levels.
EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.
The denominator for this percentage is Students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level.
Key measures of English and maths progress over the last three years.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
Nat_av
Average progress (change in point score)
num_inscope
Number of students in scope
percent_approved
Percentage entering an approved qualification
percent_grade4
Percentage achieving grade 4 (or equivalent) or above
percent_positive
Percentage making positive progress
progress_subject
Subject
Footnotes
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
Positive progress is an improved point score in the subject by the end of 16-18 studies, compared to prior attainment in key stage 4.
English and maths progress by institution type and gender
Filename
eandm_ins_gender_2018_2020_u.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
English and maths progress, by institution type and gender.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
characteristic_gender
Gender
count_no_entries
Number of students
Nat_average
Average progress
percent_entered
Percent entering an approved qualification
progress_subject
Subject
school_type
Institution type
Footnotes
The total number of students may be higher than the sum of separate institution types as students who attend multiple institutions during 16 to 18 can be included more than once in institution breakdowns. More information can be found in the Quality and Methodology section.
'All state funded schools' includes city technology colleges (CTCs) and state-funded special schools. Figures for these institution types are not shown separately in the table. Excludes pupil referral units (PRUs), alternative provision (AP), hospital schools, non-maintained special schools, independent schools, independent special schools and independent schools approved to take pupils with special educational needs (SEN). These institution types are included in 'All schools'.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
English and maths progress by prior attainment (English historical data)
Filename
e_priorattainment_2018_2019_u.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2018/19
Content
English progress(2017/18, 2018/19), by prior attainment points and points at end of 16-18 study.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
entry_points
Prior attainment points
exit_points
Points at end of 16-18 study
Nat_average_prog
Average progress (change in point score)
percent_improved
Percent improving their point score
percent_lower
Percent lowering their point score
percent_same
Percent with unchanged point score
student_count
Number of students
Footnotes
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
English and maths progress by prior attainment (English)
Filename
e_priorattainment_2020u.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20
Content
English progress (2019/20), by prior attainment points and points at end of 16-18 study.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
entry_points
Prior attainment points
exit_points
Points at end of 16-18 study
Nat_average_prog
Average progress (change in point score)
percent_improved
Percent improving their point score
percent_lower
Percent lowering their point score
percent_same
Percent with unchanged point score
student_count
Number of students
Footnotes
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
English and maths progress by prior attainment (maths historical data)
Filename
m_priorattainment_2018_2019_u.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2018/19
Content
Maths progress (2017/18, 2018/19), by prior attainment points and points at end of 16-18 study.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
entry_points
Prior attainment points
exit_points
Points at end of 16-18 study
Nat_average_prog
Average progress (change in point score)
percent_improved
Percent improving their point score
percent_lower
Percent lowering their point score
percent_same
Percent with unchanged point score
student_count
Number of students
Footnotes
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
English and maths progress by prior attainment (maths)
Filename
m_priorattainment_2020u.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20
Content
Maths progress (2019/20), by prior attainment points and points at end of 16-18 study.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
entry_points
Prior attainment points
exit_points
Points at end of 16-18 study
Nat_average_prog
Average progress (change in point score)
percent_improved
Percent improving their point score
percent_lower
Percent lowering their point score
percent_same
Percent with unchanged point score
student_count
Number of students
Footnotes
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
English and maths progress by student characteristics
Filename
eandm_characteristics_2018_2020_u.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
English and maths progress, by student characteristics.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
characteristic_value
Characteristic
count_no_entries
Number of students
nat_average
Average progress
progress_subject
Subject
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
English and maths progress, by number of years allocated in 16-18 study.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
Nat_average_prog
Average progress (change in point score)
progress_subject
Subject
student_count
Number of students
years_allocated
Duration of 16-18 study
Footnotes
Students are potentially in scope for either the English or maths progress measures if they did not achieve a GCSE grade A*-C or 9-4 by the end of KS4 in that subject.
Level 3 maths attainment by institution type and gender
Filename
l3mattain_2018_2020_u_v2.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
Level 3 maths attainment, by institution type and gender.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
characteristic_gender
Gender
count_pup
Number of in-scope students
L3M_PER
Percent of students achieving a Level 3 maths qualification
school_type
Institution type
Footnotes
The total number of students may be higher than the sum of separate institution types as students who attend multiple institutions during 16 to 18 can be included more than once in institution breakdowns. More information can be found in the Quality and Methodology section.
'All state funded schools' includes city technology colleges (CTCs) and state-funded special schools. Figures for these institution types are not shown separately in the table. Excludes pupil referral units (PRUs), alternative provision (AP), hospital schools, non-maintained special schools, independent schools, independent special schools and independent schools approved to take pupils with special educational needs (SEN). These institution types are included in 'All schools'.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Number of students entered for combinations of STEM A levels during 16-18 study, by student gender.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
gender
Gender
Num_Students
Number of students
sub_name_comb
Combination of STEM subject A levels entered
Footnotes
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
Maths and science percent entered by region and local authority
Filename
st_maths_science_la_region_2018_2020_u_v3_may.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
Percent of A level students entered for STEM subjects, by region or local authority and student gender.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
characteristic_gender
Gender
number_alev_students
Number of A level students
pc_entered_Biology
Percent entered for biology
pc_entered_Chemistry
Percent entered for chemistry
pc_entered_Computing
Percent entered for computing
pc_entered_FurtherMaths
Percent entered for further maths
pc_entered_Maths
Percent entered for maths
pc_entered_Physics
Percent entered for physics
Footnotes
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
Time line of STEM subject entries, by student gender.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
characteristic_gender
Gender
number_alev_students
Number of A level students
pc_entered_1plus_MatScis
Percent entered for 1 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_2plus_MatScis
Percent entered for 2 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_3plus_MatScis
Percent entered for 3 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_4plus_MatScis
Percent entered for 4 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_5plus_MatScis
Percent entered for 5 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_Biology
Percent entered for biology
pc_entered_Chemistry
Percent entered for chemistry
pc_entered_Computing
Percent entered for computing
pc_entered_FurtherMaths
Percent entered for further maths
pc_entered_Maths
Percent entered for maths
pc_entered_no_MatSci
Percent not entered for a STEM subject
pc_entered_Physics
Percent entered for physics
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
Regional and local authority A level entries and results (end of 16-18 study) by STEM subject and gender
Filename
03_regional_alev_counts_stem.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
A level grades achieved by region or local authority, STEM subject and student gender.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Includes pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
a_grade_achieved
A.
astar_grade_achieved
A*
b_grade_achieved
B.
c_grade_achieved
C.
characteristic_gender
Gender
d_grade_achieved
D.
e_grade_achieved
E.
subject_name
A level subject
total_students
Total number of students
u_grade_achieved
U.
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
'Total maths' includes all maths subjects except further maths.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
Regional and local authority A level entries and results (end of 16-18 study) by subject and gender
Filename
03_regional_alev_counts.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2019/20
Content
A level grades achieved by region or local authority, subject and student gender.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Includes pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
a_grade_achieved
A.
astar_grade_achieved
A*
b_grade_achieved
B.
c_grade_achieved
C.
characteristic_gender
Gender
d_grade_achieved
D.
e_grade_achieved
E.
subject_name
A level subject
total_students
Total number of students
u_grade_achieved
U.
Footnotes
'Total classical studies' includes Greek, Latin, classical civilisation, and other classical studies
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
'Total English' includes English language, English literature, and English language and literature
'Total other modern languages' includes all modern languages except French, German and Spanish.
'Total maths' includes all maths subjects except further maths.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. Totals include pending awards.
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
2yr_retained
% returned and retained for a second year
2yr_retention_in_scope
Number of students in two-year programme
exam_cohort
Cohort
retained
% retained
retained_and_assessed
% retained and assessed
retention_in_scope
Number of students
school_type
Institution type
Footnotes
The total number of students may be higher than the sum of separate institution types as students who attend multiple institutions during 16 to 18 can be included more than once in institution breakdowns. More information can be found in the Quality and Methodology section.
Percentages in tables are presented to 1dp. Percentage differences presented in the text are calculated using underlying data at 3dp.
'z' denotes that there are no applicable observations of the indicator.
'z' denotes that there are no applicable observations of the indicator.
Retention metrics by prior attainment and disadvantaged status.
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
2yr_retained
% returned and retained for a second year
2yr_retention_in_scope
Number of students in two-year programme
characteristic_value
Disadvantage
exam_cohort
Cohort
prior_attainment
Prior attainment
retained
% retained
retained_and_assessed
% retained and assessed
retention_in_scope
Number of students
Footnotes
Percentages in tables are presented to 1dp. Percentage differences presented in the text are calculated using underlying data at 3dp.
'z' denotes that there are no applicable observations of the indicator.
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
2yr_retained
% returned and retained for a second year
2yr_retention_in_scope
Number of students in two-year programme
characteristic_value
Characteristic
exam_cohort
Cohort
retained
% retained
retained_and_assessed
% retained and assessed
retention_in_scope
Number of students
Footnotes
Percentages in tables are presented to 1dp. Percentage differences presented in the text are calculated using underlying data at 3dp.
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Disadvantage status is as reported at the end of key stage 4. Analysis involving disadvantage status includes students at state-funded schools and colleges only.
EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.
'z' denotes that there are no applicable observations of the indicator.
Applied general student counts by Ofqual subject. Includes qualification participation by gender
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
gender
Gender
ofqual_tier_2
Ofqual tier
qualification_participation
Number of qualification types participated in
students
Number of students
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed an applied general qualification during 16-18 study. Includes pending awards.
Technical certificate student counts by Ofqual subject. Includes qualification participation by gender
Variable names and descriptions
Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:
Variable name
Variable description
gender
Gender
ofqual_tier_2
Ofqual tier
qualification_participation
Number of qualification types participated in
students
Number of students
Footnotes
Figures for the total number of students may not match the sum of females and males, as not all institutions recorded the gender for every student.
Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed a technical certificate qualification during 16-18 study. Includes pending awards.