Academic year 2021/22

A level and other 16 to 18 results

Data guidance

Published 30 March 2023

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 name	Variable description
aps_per_entry_acad	APS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agen	APS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alev	APS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acad	Average academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agen	Average applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alev	Average A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificate	Average technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlev	Average tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificate	APS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlev	APS per tech level entry
characteristic_value	Characteristic
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generals	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levels	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alev	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_applied	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acad	Number of academic students
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2	Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3	Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number 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 name	Variable description
aps_per_entry_acad	APS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agen	APS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alev	APS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acad	Average academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agen	Average applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alev	Average A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificate	Average technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlev	Average tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificate	APS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlev	APS per tech level entry
characteristic_gender	Gender
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generals	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levels	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alev	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_applied	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
institution_count	Number of institutions
number_of_students_acad	Number of academic students
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2	Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3	Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number 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_type	Institution

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 name	Variable description
aps_per_entry_acad	APS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agen	APS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alev	APS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acad	Average academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agen	Average applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alev	Average A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificate	Average technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlev	Average tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificate	APS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlev	APS per tech level entry
characteristic_value	Characteristic
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generals	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levels	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alev	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_applied	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acad	Number of academic students
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2	Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3	Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number 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_type	Institution

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 name	Variable description
aps_per_entry_acad	APS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agen	APS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alev	APS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acad	Average academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agen	Average applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alev	Average A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificate	Average technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlev	Average tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificate	APS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlev	APS per tech level entry
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generals	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levels	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alev	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_applied	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acad	Number of academic students
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2	Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3	Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number 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
rurality	Rurality

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 name	Variable description
aps_per_entry_acad	APS per academic entry
aps_per_entry_agen	APS per applied general entry
aps_per_entry_alev	APS per A level entry
aps_per_entry_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries
aps_per_entry_grade_acad	Average academic result
aps_per_entry_grade_agen	Average applied general result
aps_per_entry_grade_alev	Average A level result
aps_per_entry_grade_best3	APS per 'Best 3' entries (grade)
aps_per_entry_grade_technicalcertificate	Average technical certificate result
aps_per_entry_grade_tlev	Average tech level result
aps_per_entry_technicalcertificate	APS per technical certificate entry
aps_per_entry_tlev	APS per tech level entry
characteristic_disadvantage	Characteristic disadvantage
characteristic_value	Characteristic
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_applied_generals	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding applied generals)
entered_any_level3_vocational_excluding_tech_levels	Number of students entered for any level 3 vocational (excluding tech levels)
entered_for_one_or_more_alev	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level
entered_for_one_or_more_alev_or_applied	Number of students entered for ≥ 1 A level or applied A level
number_of_students_acad	Number of academic students
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_highest_entry_was_l2	Number of level 2 vocational students (without approved level 3 entry)
number_of_students_level3	Number of level 3 students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number 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 name	Variable description
disadvantage_status	Disadvantage status
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number of tech level students
perc_number_of_students_agen	Proportion of applied general students with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_alev	Proportion of A level students with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_potential	Proportion of students at end of 16-18 study with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Proportion of technical certificate students with selected disadvantage status
perc_number_of_students_tlev	Proportion 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 name	Variable description
number_of_students_agen	Number of applied general students
number_of_students_alev	Number of A level students
number_of_students_potential	Students at end of 16-18 study
number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Number of technical certificate students
number_of_students_tlev	Number of tech level students
perc_number_of_students_agen	Proportion of applied general students at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_alev	Proportion of A level students at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_potential	Proportion of students at end of 16-18 study at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_technicalcertificate	Proportion of technical certificate students at prior attainment band
perc_number_of_students_tlev	Proportion of tech level students at prior attainment band
prior_attainment	Prior 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 name	Variable description
a_grade_achieved	Number at grade A.
astar_grade_achieved	Number at grade A*.
b_grade_achieved	Number at grade B.
c_grade_achieved	Number at grade C.
characteristic_value	Characteristic
d_grade_achieved	Number at grade D.
e_grade_achieved	Number at grade E.
entry_count	Exam entries
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
qualification	Qualification
subject_name	Subject
u_grade_achieved	Number 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 name	Variable description
a_grade_achieved	Number at grade A.
astar_grade_achieved	Number at grade A*.
b_grade_achieved	Number at grade B.
c_grade_achieved	Number at grade C.
characteristic_gender	Gender
d_grade_achieved	Number at grade D.
e_grade_achieved	Number at grade E.
entry_count	Exam entries
institution_count	Number of institutions
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
qualification	Qualification
school_type	Institution
u_grade_achieved	Number 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 name	Variable description
a_grade_achieved	Number at grade A.
astar_grade_achieved	Number at grade A*.
b_grade_achieved	Number at grade B.
c_grade_achieved	Number at grade C.
d_grade_achieved	Number at grade D.
e_grade_achieved	Number at grade E.
entry_count	Exam entries
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
qualification	Qualification
school_type	Institution
subject_name	Subject
u_grade_achieved	Number 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 name	Variable description
a_grade_achieved	Number at grade A.
astar_grade_achieved	Number at grade A*.
b_grade_achieved	Number at grade B.
c_grade_achieved	Number at grade C.
characteristic_value	Characteristic
d_grade_achieved	Number at grade D.
e_grade_achieved	Number at grade E.
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
subject_name	Subject
total_students	Total number of students
u_grade_achieved	Number 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 name	Variable description
a_grade_achieved	Number at grade A.
astar_grade_achieved	Number at grade A*.
b_grade_achieved	Number at grade B.
c_grade_achieved	Number at grade C.
characteristic_gender	Gender
d_grade_achieved	Number at grade D.
e_grade_achieved	Number at grade E.
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
school_type	Institution
total_students	Total number of students
u_grade_achieved	Number 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 name	Variable description
a_grade_achieved	Number at grade A.
astar_grade_achieved	Number at grade A*.
b_grade_achieved	Number at grade B.
c_grade_achieved	Number at grade C.
d_grade_achieved	Number at grade D.
e_grade_achieved	Number at grade E.
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
school_type	Institution
subject_name	Subject
total_students	Total number of students
u_grade_achieved	Number 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 name	Variable description
01_ucas_168	168+ UCAS Tariff Points (A*A*A* or equivalent/higher)
02_ucas_144	144+ UCAS Tariff Points (AAA or equivalent/higher)
03_ucas_120	120+ UCAS Tariff Points (BBB or equivalent/higher)
04_ucas_96	96+ UCAS Tariff Points (CCC or equivalent/higher)
05_ucas_72	72+ UCAS Tariff Points (DDD or equivalent/higher)
06_ucas_48	48+ UCAS Tariff Points (EEE or equivalent/higher)
characteristic_value	Characteristic
student_count	Total 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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
entry_count	Exam entries
entry_pass	Exam passes
exam_cohort	Exam cohort
ofqual_tier_2	Ofqual subject area
perc_entry_pass	Percent 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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
exam_cohort	Exam cohort
ofqual_tier_2	Ofqual subject area
perc_student_pass	Percent of students achieving a pass
student_count	Number of students
student_pass	Number 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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
entry_count	Number of entries
entry_pass	Number of passes
perc_entry_pass	Proportion of cohort achieving a pass at level
progress_subject	Subject
qual_minor	Qualification

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 name	Variable description
entry_count	Number of entries
entry_pass	Number of passes
perc_entry_pass	Proportion of cohort achieving a pass at level
progress_subject	Subject
qual_minor	Qualification
school_type	Institution

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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
num_students	Number of students
sub_name_comb	Combination 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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
number_alev_students	Number of 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

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 name	Variable description
number_alev_students	Number of 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

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 name	Variable description
characteristic_gender	Gender
exam_cohort	Cohort
perc_retained	% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed	% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained	% returned and retained for a second year
school_type	Institution type
student_count_year_1	Number of students
student_count_year_2	Number 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 name	Variable description
exam_cohort	Cohort
percentage	Percentage of students
prior_attainment	Prior attainment
retention_in_scope	Number 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 name	Variable description
exam_cohort	Cohort
perc_retained	% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed	% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained	% returned and retained for a second year
student_count_year_1	Number of students
student_count_year_2	Number 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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
exam_cohort	Cohort
perc_retained	% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed	% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained	% returned and retained for a second year
student_count_year_1	Number of students
student_count_year_2	Number 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 name	Variable description
characteristic_disadvantage	Characteristic disadvantage
characteristic_value	Characteristic
exam_cohort	Cohort
perc_retained	% retained
perc_retained_and_assessed	% retained and assessed
perc_returned_and_retained	% returned and retained for a second year
student_count_year_1	Number of students
student_count_year_2	Number 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 name	Variable description
exam_cohort	Cohort
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 name	Variable description
aps_per_entry	APS per entry
aps_per_entry_grade	Average result
characteristic_gender	Characteristic
number_of_students	Number of students
qualification_type	Qualification
school_type	Institution

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 name	Variable description
characteristic_value	Characteristic
entry_count	Exam entries
perc_astar_a_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - A
perc_astar_b_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - B
perc_astar_c_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - C
perc_astar_d_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - D
perc_astar_e_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A* - E
perc_astar_grade_achieved	Percent achieving grade A*
subject_name	Subject