Academic year 2021/22

A level and other 16 to 18 results

Data guidance

Published

Description

This document describes the data included in the ‘A level and other 16 to 18 results: 2022/23’ National Statistics release's underlying data files.  The statistical publication complements the 16-18 school and college performance tables. This data is released under the terms of the Open Government License (opens in a new tab) and is intended to meet at least 3 stars for Open Data (opens in a new tab).

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.

Coverage

This release provides information on A level and other 16-18 results in:

  • Students who have completed their 16-18 phase of education
  • Students who have entered an approved qualification in the reporting year

Approved qualifications are those that are eligible for reporting in the 16-18 school and college performance tables, listed in the 16 to 18 qualifications, discount codes and point scores (opens in a new tab).

The information is based on data collected via awarding organisations, the school census, and the Individualised Learner Record.

File formats and conventions

Rounding 

This dataset has not had rounding applied. 

Suppression is applied to protect the disclosure of personal information or characteristics.

Conventions 

The following convention is used throughout the underlying data. 

‘z’ Not applicable.

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.

Attainment and other performance measures - student characteristics

Filename
aggregated_attainment_by_characteristic_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics for all qualification cohorts, by student characteristics. 

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
aps_per_entry_acadAPS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agenAPS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alevAPS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acadAverage academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agenAverage applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alevAverage A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificateAverage technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlevAverage tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificateAPS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlevAPS per tech level entry
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generalsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levelsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alevNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_appliedNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acadNumber of academic students
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
pc_achieving_3_astar_to_a_alev% achieving 3 A* to A
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_alev% achieving ≥ AAB
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_atleast_two_facilitating_alev% achieving ≥ AAB for a minimum of 2 facilitating A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_alev% achieving ≥ 2 A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3% achieving ≥ 2 substantial level 3 results
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3_acad% achieving ≥ 2 academic results
pc_level2_vocational_students_entered_technicalcertificate% level 2 students vocational students entered for technical certificate
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_applied_generals% level 3 vocational students (excluding tech levels) who entered applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels% level 3 vocational students (excluding applied generals) who entered tech levels
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Attainment and other performance measures - institution type and gender

Filename
aggregated_attainment_by_institution_gender_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics for all qualification cohorts, by institution type and student gender.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
aps_per_entry_acadAPS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agenAPS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alevAPS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acadAverage academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agenAverage applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alevAverage A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificateAverage technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlevAverage tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificateAPS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlevAPS per tech level entry
characteristic_genderGender
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generalsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levelsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alevNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_appliedNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
institution_countNumber of institutions
number_of_students_acadNumber of academic students
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
pc_achieving_3_astar_to_a_alev% achieving 3 A* to A
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_alev% achieving ≥ AAB
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_atleast_two_facilitating_alev% achieving ≥ AAB for a minimum of 2 facilitating A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_alev% achieving ≥ 2 A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3% achieving ≥ 2 substantial level 3 results
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3_acad% achieving ≥ 2 academic results
pc_level2_vocational_students_entered_technicalcertificate% level 2 students vocational students entered for technical certificate
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_applied_generals% level 3 vocational students (excluding tech levels) who entered applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels% level 3 vocational students (excluding applied generals) who entered tech levels
school_typeInstitution
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.
  2. 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.
  3. Totals may be less 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.
  4. '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'.

Attainment and other performance measures - region and student characteristics

Filename
aggregated_attainment_by_region_characteristic_201822_complete_sp.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics for all qualification cohorts, by region or local authority and student characteristics. 

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
aps_per_entry_acadAPS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agenAPS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alevAPS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acadAverage academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agenAverage applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alevAverage A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificateAverage technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlevAverage tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificateAPS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlevAPS per tech level entry
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generalsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levelsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alevNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_appliedNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acadNumber of academic students
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
pc_achieving_3_astar_to_a_alev% achieving 3 A* to A
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_alev% achieving ≥ AAB
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_atleast_two_facilitating_alev% achieving ≥ AAB for a minimum of 2 facilitating A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_alev% achieving ≥ 2 A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3% achieving ≥ 2 substantial level 3 results
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3_acad% achieving ≥ 2 academic results
pc_level2_vocational_students_entered_technicalcertificate% level 2 students vocational students entered for technical certificate
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_applied_generals% level 3 vocational students (excluding tech levels) who entered applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels% level 3 vocational students (excluding applied generals) who entered tech levels
school_typeInstitution
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Attainment and other performance measures - rurality

Filename
aggregated_attainment_by_rurality_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics for all qualification cohorts, by rurality.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
aps_per_entry_acadAPS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agenAPS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alevAPS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acadAverage academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agenAverage applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alevAverage A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificateAverage technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlevAverage tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificateAPS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlevAPS per tech level entry
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generalsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levelsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alevNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_appliedNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acadNumber of academic students
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
pc_achieving_3_astar_to_a_alev% achieving 3 A* to A
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_alev% achieving ≥ AAB
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_atleast_two_facilitating_alev% achieving ≥ AAB for a minimum of 2 facilitating A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_alev% achieving ≥ 2 A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3% achieving ≥ 2 substantial level 3 results
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3_acad% achieving ≥ 2 academic results
pc_level2_vocational_students_entered_technicalcertificate% level 2 students vocational students entered for technical certificate
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_applied_generals% level 3 vocational students (excluding tech levels) who entered applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels% level 3 vocational students (excluding applied generals) who entered tech levels
ruralityRurality
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.

Attainment and other performance measures - student characteristics and disadvantage status

Filename
aggregated_attainment_by_supercharacteristic_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics for all qualification cohorts, by a combination of disadvantage status and other student characteristics. 

Other student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
aps_per_entry_acadAPS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agenAPS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alevAPS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acadAverage academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agenAverage applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alevAverage A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificateAverage technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlevAverage tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificateAPS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlevAPS per tech level entry
characteristic_disadvantageCharacteristic disadvantage
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generalsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levelsNumber of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alevNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_appliedNumber of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acadNumber of academic students
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
pc_achieving_3_astar_to_a_alev% achieving 3 A* to A
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_alev% achieving ≥ AAB
pc_achieving_aab_or_better_atleast_two_facilitating_alev% achieving ≥ AAB for a minimum of 2 facilitating A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_alev% achieving ≥ 2 A levels
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3% achieving ≥ 2 substantial level 3 results
pc_achieving_atleast_two_substantial_lev3_acad% achieving ≥ 2 academic results
pc_level2_vocational_students_entered_technicalcertificate% level 2 students vocational students entered for technical certificate
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_applied_generals% level 3 vocational students (excluding tech levels) who entered applied general
pc_level3_vocational_students_entered_tech_levels% level 3 vocational students (excluding applied generals) who entered tech levels
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Attainment and other performance measures - disadvantage status as a percentage of cohort

Filename
aa_by_disadvantage_proportions_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics, by disadvantage status as a percentage of each exam cohort.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
disadvantage_statusDisadvantage status
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
perc_number_of_students_agenProportion of applied general students with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_alevProportion of A level students with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_potentialProportion of students at end of 16-18 study with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_technicalcertificateProportion of technical certificate students with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_tlevProportion of tech level students with selected disadvantage status
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.
  2. 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.

Attainment and other performance measures - prior attainment as a percentage of cohort

Filename
aa_by_priorattainment_proportions_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment metrics, by KS4 prior attainment as a percentage of each exam cohort.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
number_of_students_agenNumber of applied general students
number_of_students_alevNumber of A level students
number_of_students_potentialStudents at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificateNumber of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlevNumber of tech level students
perc_number_of_students_agenProportion of applied general students at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_alevProportion of A level students at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_potentialProportion of students at end of 16-18 study at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_technicalcertificateProportion of technical certificate students at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_tlevProportion of tech level students at prior attainment band
prior_attainmentPrior attainment
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables.

Entries and Results - A level and AS by subject and student characteristics (single academic year)

Filename
alevel_as_entries_results_by_characteristic_singleyr_201822_complete_sp.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level and AS level entries by grade achieved, subject and student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

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 nameVariable description
a_grade_achievedNumber at grade A.
astar_grade_achievedNumber at grade A*.
b_grade_achievedNumber at grade B.
c_grade_achievedNumber at grade C.
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
d_grade_achievedNumber at grade D.
e_grade_achievedNumber at grade E.
entry_countExam entries
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
qualificationQualification
subject_nameSubject
u_grade_achievedNumber at grade U.
Footnotes
  1. Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Entries and Results - A level and AS by institution type and gender (single academic year)

Filename
alevel_as_entries_results_by_institution_gender_singleyr_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level and AS level entries by grade achieved, institution type 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 nameVariable description
a_grade_achievedNumber at grade A.
astar_grade_achievedNumber at grade A*.
b_grade_achievedNumber at grade B.
c_grade_achievedNumber at grade C.
characteristic_genderGender
d_grade_achievedNumber at grade D.
e_grade_achievedNumber at grade E.
entry_countExam entries
institution_countNumber of institutions
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
qualificationQualification
school_typeInstitution
u_grade_achievedNumber at grade U.
Footnotes
  1. Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
  2. 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.
  3. Totals may be less 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.
  4. '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'.

Entries and Results - A level and AS by region and subject (single academic year)

Filename
alevel_as_entries_results_by_region_singleyr_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level and AS level entries by grade achieved, subject and region or local authority

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 nameVariable description
a_grade_achievedNumber at grade A.
astar_grade_achievedNumber at grade A*.
b_grade_achievedNumber at grade B.
c_grade_achievedNumber at grade C.
d_grade_achievedNumber at grade D.
e_grade_achievedNumber at grade E.
entry_countExam entries
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
qualificationQualification
school_typeInstitution
subject_nameSubject
u_grade_achievedNumber at grade U.
Footnotes
  1. Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.

Student counts and Results - A level by subject and student characteristics (end of 16-18 study)

Filename
alevel_counts_results_by_characteristic_1618study_201822_complete_sp.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level student counts by grade achieved, subject and student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. 

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
a_grade_achievedNumber at grade A.
astar_grade_achievedNumber at grade A*.
b_grade_achievedNumber at grade B.
c_grade_achievedNumber at grade C.
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
d_grade_achievedNumber at grade D.
e_grade_achievedNumber at grade E.
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
subject_nameSubject
total_studentsTotal number of students
u_grade_achievedNumber at grade U.
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Student counts and Results - A level by institution type and gender (end of 16-18 study)

Filename
alevel_counts_results_by_institution_gender_1618study_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level student counts by grade achieved, institution type and student gender. 

Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
a_grade_achievedNumber at grade A.
astar_grade_achievedNumber at grade A*.
b_grade_achievedNumber at grade B.
c_grade_achievedNumber at grade C.
characteristic_genderGender
d_grade_achievedNumber at grade D.
e_grade_achievedNumber at grade E.
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
school_typeInstitution
total_studentsTotal number of students
u_grade_achievedNumber at grade U.
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.
  2. 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.
  3. Totals may be less 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.
  4. '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'.

Student counts and Results - A level by region and subject (end of 16-18 study)

Filename
alevel_counts_results_by_region_1618study_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level student counts by grade achieved, subject and region or local authority.

Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
a_grade_achievedNumber at grade A.
astar_grade_achievedNumber at grade A*.
b_grade_achievedNumber at grade B.
c_grade_achievedNumber at grade C.
d_grade_achievedNumber at grade D.
e_grade_achievedNumber at grade E.
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
school_typeInstitution
subject_nameSubject
total_studentsTotal number of students
u_grade_achievedNumber at grade U.
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.

Student counts grade combinations - A level by student characteristics

Filename
alevel_counts_grade_combinations_by_characteristic_201822.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

A level grade combinations achieved, by student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
01_ucas_168168+ UCAS Tariff Points (A*A*A* or equivalent/higher)
02_ucas_144144+ UCAS Tariff Points (AAA or equivalent/higher)
03_ucas_120120+ UCAS Tariff Points (BBB or equivalent/higher)
04_ucas_9696+ UCAS Tariff Points (CCC or equivalent/higher)
05_ucas_7272+ UCAS Tariff Points (DDD or equivalent/higher)
06_ucas_4848+ UCAS Tariff Points (EEE or equivalent/higher)
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
student_countTotal number of students
Footnotes
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Entries - vocational qualifications by subject and student characteristics (single academic year)

Filename
vocational_entries_by_characteristic_singleyr_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Vocational qualification entries, by Ofqual subject area and student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

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 nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
entry_countExam entries
entry_passExam passes
exam_cohortExam cohort
ofqual_tier_2Ofqual subject area
perc_entry_passPercent of exam passes
Footnotes
  1. Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Student counts - vocational qualifications by subject and student characteristics (end of 16-18 study)

Filename
vocational_counts_by_characteristic_1618study_201822_complete_sp.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Vocational qualification student counts, by Ofqual subject area and student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams. 

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
exam_cohortExam cohort
ofqual_tier_2Ofqual subject area
perc_student_passPercent of students achieving a pass
student_countNumber of students
student_passNumber of students achieving a pass
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed a vocational qualification during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

English and Maths - below level 3 entries by student characteristics

Filename
english_maths_below_l3_by_characteristic_201822_complete_sp.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Entries and passes for below level 3 English and maths, by qualification type and student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

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 nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
entry_countNumber of entries
entry_passNumber of passes
perc_entry_passProportion of cohort achieving a pass at level
progress_subjectSubject
qual_minorQualification
Footnotes
  1. Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

English and Maths - below level 3 entries by institution type

Filename
english_maths_below_l3_by_institution_201822.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Entries and passes for below level 3 English and maths, by qualification type, institution type 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 nameVariable description
entry_countNumber of entries
entry_passNumber of passes
perc_entry_passProportion of cohort achieving a pass at level
progress_subjectSubject
qual_minorQualification
school_typeInstitution
Footnotes
  1. Exam entries are for the current exam year for 16-18 students, after discounting. Includes pending awards.
  2. Totals may be less 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.
  3. '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'.

Maths and science - subject combinations by student characteristics

Filename
maths_science_combinations_by_characteristic_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Number of students entered for combinations of STEM A levels during 16-18 study, by student characteristics. 

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
num_studentsNumber of students
sub_name_combCombination of STEM subject A levels entered
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Maths and science entries - percent entered by student characteristics

Filename
maths_science_percentages_by_characteristic_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Percent of students entered for A levels in STEM subjects during 16-18 study, by student characteristics.

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, SEN provision, and KS4 prior attainment.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
number_alev_studentsNumber of students
pc_entered_1plus_MatScisPercent entered for 1 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_2plus_MatScisPercent entered for 2 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_3plus_MatScisPercent entered for 3 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_4plus_MatScisPercent entered for 4 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_5plus_MatScisPercent entered for 5 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_BiologyPercent entered for biology
pc_entered_ChemistryPercent entered for chemistry
pc_entered_ComputingPercent entered for computing
pc_entered_FurtherMathsPercent entered for further maths
pc_entered_MathsPercent entered for maths
pc_entered_no_MatSciPercent not entered for a STEM subject
pc_entered_PhysicsPercent entered for physics
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Maths and science entries - percent entered by region

Filename
maths_science_percentages_by_region_201822_complete.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Percent of students entered for A levels in STEM subjects during 16-18 study, by region or local authority.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
number_alev_studentsNumber of students
pc_entered_1plus_MatScisPercent entered for 1 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_2plus_MatScisPercent entered for 2 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_3plus_MatScisPercent entered for 3 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_4plus_MatScisPercent entered for 4 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_5plus_MatScisPercent entered for 5 or more STEM subjects
pc_entered_BiologyPercent entered for biology
pc_entered_ChemistryPercent entered for chemistry
pc_entered_ComputingPercent entered for computing
pc_entered_FurtherMathsPercent entered for further maths
pc_entered_MathsPercent entered for maths
pc_entered_no_MatSciPercent not entered for a STEM subject
pc_entered_PhysicsPercent entered for physics
Footnotes
  1. Includes students triggered for inclusion in performance tables who completed A levels during 16-18 study, after discounting of exams.

Retention - institution type and gender

Filename
retention_by_institution_gender_201822.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Retention metrics for all qualification cohorts, by institution type and gender.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_genderGender
exam_cohortCohort
perc_retained% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained% returned and retained for a second year
school_typeInstitution type
student_count_year_1Number of students
student_count_year_2Number of students in two-year programme
Footnotes
  1. 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.

Retention - prior attainment as a percentage of cohort

Filename
retention_by_priorattainment_proportions_201822.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Retention cohorts by institution type and prior attainment, as a percentage of each qualification cohort. 

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
exam_cohortCohort
percentagePercentage of students
prior_attainmentPrior attainment
retention_in_scopeNumber of students

Retention - region

Filename
retention_by_region_201822.csv
Geographic levels
Local authority; Regional
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Retention metrics for all qualification cohorts, by region or local authority.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
exam_cohortCohort
perc_retained% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained% returned and retained for a second year
student_count_year_1Number of students
student_count_year_2Number of students in two-year programme

Retention - student characteristics

Filename
retention_by_characteristic_201822.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Retention metrics for all qualification cohorts, by student characteristics. 

Student characteristics include gender, ethnicity, disadvantage status, free school meal provision, first language, KS4 prior attainment and SEN provision.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
exam_cohortCohort
perc_retained% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained% returned and retained for a second year
student_count_year_1Number of students
student_count_year_2Number of students in two-year programme
Footnotes
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Retention - student characteristics and disadvantage status

Filename
retention_by_supercharacteristic_201822.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2017/18 to 2021/22
Content

Retention metrics for all qualification cohorts, by a combination of disadvantage status and other student characteristics. 

Other student characteristics include gender, ethnicity (major groupings), free school meal provision, first language, KS4 prior attainment and SEN provision (major groupings).

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_disadvantageCharacteristic disadvantage
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
exam_cohortCohort
perc_retained% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained% returned and retained for a second year
student_count_year_1Number of students
student_count_year_2Number of students in two-year programme
Footnotes
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. EHC plans and statements of SEN are legal documents which detail the needs of the individual student, and the assistance they are to receive.

Retention - cohort time series

Filename
retention_by_cohort_201622.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

Retention metrics (% only) for all qualification cohorts, since measures were introduced.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
exam_cohortCohort
perc_retained% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained% returned and retained for a second year

Time-series - APS per entry by institution type

Filename
timeseries_aggregated_attainment_by_institution_type.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2012/13 to 2021/22
Content

Attainment (APS per entry) data for all level 3 qualification cohorts.

Data for applied general and tech level cohorts starts in 2015/16 (when these cohorts were first defined in this statistical release, and school and college data). Data for the A level cohort starts in 2012/13.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
aps_per_entryAPS per entry
aps_per_entry_gradeAverage result
characteristic_genderCharacteristic
number_of_studentsNumber of students
qualification_typeQualification
school_typeInstitution

Time-series - A level subject entries and grade by gender

Filename
alevel_timeseries_subject_entries_results.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
1995/96 to 2021/22
Content

Data for A level entries and grades for individual subjects from 1995/96.

Coverage of data is all students in England aged 16-18, entires/grades within the academic year stated (where 2022 means 2021/22)

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
characteristic_valueCharacteristic
entry_countExam entries
perc_astar_a_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achievedPercent achieving grade A*
subject_nameSubject