Learners in Wales receive their A and AS level grades today

AS and A level learners in Wales receive their results today, following the return to formal exams and assessment for the first time since 2019. Many vocational learners will also be receiving their Level 3 results.

“The pandemic has had a significant impact on learners across Wales, and I would like to congratulate them today as they receive their results. Learners in Wales have demonstrated what they know, understand and can do – and they should be very proud of their achievements. After a challenging couple of years for the education system, everyone’s effort and support for learners means that we are moving back towards pre-pandemic approaches,” said Chief Executive Philip Blaker.

Qualifications Wales worked with others in the education system to identify the fairest way to assess learners this year. A package of support was put in place for learners this year to take account of the pandemic and the disruption it caused to education.

Qualifications were adapted to give learners extra support and address the loss of teaching and learning time. Qualifications Wales also announced that exams would be graded more generously this year to recognise that learners have had the most extraordinary two years leading up to their exams.

As intended, this year’s results are broadly midway between the results in 2019 when exams were last held, and the results in 2021, when teachers determined learners’ grades. This approach to grading was announced at the start of this academic year and is the same as the approach taken in England. It marks the start of the return to pre-pandemic performance standards.  

“As in any year, learner progression is a priority. With the return to exams this year, we worked closely with WJEC to agree procedures for awarding grades in AS and A levels that build upon the usual practices, while also providing a safety net for learners. We’ve also taken steps to make sure that the grading process is as consistent as possible with the same qualifications in other jurisdictions to support learners to progress to the next stage of their lives.”

“Returning to pre-pandemic assessment arrangements was always going to be a big task. We know that learners were anxious about the return to exams, but overall, the exam series has gone well, which is an incredible achievement for everyone involved. We would particularly like to thank all the schools and colleges for their hard work and dedication.”

“As in every year, some learners may not achieve the grades they had hoped for. If you haven’t got the grades you need, do not panic. There are many options available and different paths that you can take.”

Working Wales offers free, impartial advice on what options are available. Visit https://workingwales.gov.wales/start-your-story for more information and support.

AS, A level and Skills Challenge Certificate results

• Results in 2022 were awarded broadly midway between 2019 and 2021.
• 35,499 A level grades were awarded this summer.
• 17.1% of A level grades issued were grade A*, 40.9% were A*-A and 98.0% were A*-E.
• For 18-year-olds taking WJEC A levels, 16.5% of grades issued were grade A*, 40.4% were A*-A and 98.1% were A*-E.
• 38,106 AS grades were awarded this summer.
• 30.7% of AS grades issued were grade A and 92.7% were A-E.
• For 17-year-olds taking WJEC AS levels, 30.6% of grades issued were grade A and 92.8% were A*-E.
• The total number of Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate) entries was 11,735 this year.
• 6.4% of Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate grades were A*, 29% were A* - A and 96.7% were A* - E.  

The full details of results for A level, AS and the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate in Wales are available on the Qualifications Wales website. There is also additional background information on how qualifications were awarded this year and help and support for learners as they consider their next steps.