What is the pass rate for a level?

Asked by: Ms. Alejandra Klocko  |  Last update: May 14, 2026
Score: 5/5 (65 votes)

A-Level pass rates (A*-E) in the UK are consistently high, around 97-98%, though they fluctuate slightly year-to-year due to grading changes, with 97.3% passing in 2023 and 97.2% in 2024 (A*-E). Top grades (A*/A) vary more, with around 27% achieving them in 2023, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic standards after higher results in 2022. A pass is generally considered an E grade or above, depending on the exam board.

What is a pass grade for A levels?

What grades are a pass at A Level? A Levels are graded on a scale from A* to E, with A* being the highest grade and E being the lowest passing grade. As long as you land anywhere between A* and E, you've technically passed.

What is the hardest A Level to pass?

Below, we've listed top 10 hardest A Level subjects and explained why students often find them challenging.

  • Chemistry. ...
  • Biology. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Maths. ...
  • Modern Languages (French, Spanish, German) ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • English Literature. ...
  • History.

What is d * d * d * equivalent to in a level?

The three grades awarded are equivalent to an A level grade and awarded the same UCAS points. A final grade of DDD is equivalent to achieving 3 grade A's at A-level and attracts the same UCAS points for university.

Are A-level resits possible?

You can only resit once: You can usually resit A-Level exams multiple times, but confirm with your exam board. You'll feel alone or like a failure: Many students retake exams and go on to succeed.

CFA Level 3 Pass Rate is Way Up!

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Which is the no. 1 toughest exam in the world?

The Gaokao (China's National College Entrance Examination) is often ranked as the No. 1 toughest exam in the world due to its extreme difficulty, high competition, and the immense pressure it puts on millions of students every year.

What is the easiest subject in A Level?

Top 15 Easiest A Level Subjects

  • Film Studies. ...
  • Drama and Theatre Studies. ...
  • Religious Studies. ...
  • Photography. ...
  • Environmental Science. ...
  • Design and Technology. ...
  • Music Technology. ...
  • Conclusion.

What are common A-Level study mistakes?

•Mistake #1: Procrastination. •Mistake #2: Lack of organisation. •Mistake #3: Not reviewing past papers and examiner reports. •Mistake #4: Not taking breaks. •Mistake #5: Not seeking help when needed.

What is the least popular A level?

What is the least popular A Level subject in the UK? Performing/Expressive Arts is currently the least popular A Level, with only 897 entries in summer 2024.

Is Biology a level harder than Physics?

The Short Answer

A-Level Biology is definitely one of the more difficult A-Levels, but not for the reasons you might think. Unlike other concept-heavy science subjects like Physics and Chemistry, A-Level Biology is difficult because of its huge syllabus.

Are A Levels harder than AP?

Generally, A-Levels are considered harder than APs due to their greater depth, longer two-year study period, and more rigorous, essay-based exams, focusing on fewer subjects in intense detail compared to AP's broader, one-year approach with more multiple-choice questions. While APs challenge students with college-level material and wide subject choice, A-Levels are seen as more academically intensive, especially for top UK university entry.
 

What are the A Level pass rates?

The overall pass rate (grades A* to E) was 97.5%.

This is up from 97.2% in 2024 but below 2019, which was 97.6%.

Is 40% a pass or fail?

University grading: degree classifications explained

Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%): Strong performance, most common degree class. Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%): Satisfactory performance, widely accepted by employers. Third-Class Honours (3rd) (40-50%): Minimum passing grade for an honours degree.

What is the toughest A Level subject?

Physics is statistically the hardest A-Level compared to other subjects. 4.59% of students failed the subject by not achieving at least a grade E. It is a step up from GCSE level and has the highest fail rate for a mainstream subject with high entry numbers, 44,957 taking the subject in 2025.

Is 75% an A in A Level?

No, 75% is typically a strong B grade in the UK A-Level system, as an 'A' usually starts at 80% and goes to 89%, while 90%+ is an A*, but boundaries can shift slightly by exam board and paper difficulty, though 75% is solidly in the B range (70-79%).
 

What are the most picked A levels?

Between 2001 and 2021, a group of eight subjects were in the top ten most popular subjects every year: English, maths, biology, chemistry, physics, art and design, psychology and history.

Which is the hardest exam for doctors?

Ans- INI-CET and INI-SS are the toughest medical entrance exams in India. This is because of fewer seats and tougher competition.

In which country is education toughest?

Here's a list of contries with the toughest education system. 1-China 2-Russia 3-Korea 4-India 5-Singapore 6-Hongkong 8-Italy 9-Poland 10-Czech Do you think this list is incomplete?

Does Warwick care about resits?

We do not object to resits within the normal two-year A-level period. For example, you might have taken your A-level Maths at the end of year 12, and it didn't go well; in this case, we're happy for you to retake it at the end of year 13.

What is ABB in A Level?

AAB–ABB = Distinction overall with grade C in core component. BBB = Merit overall with grade C in core component.