Results for exams vary each year, but understanding the data can help educators and students to help to prepare and target for forthcoming exam seasons.
2025 was interesting in relation to results for both English Language and English Literature at A-Level as there were some interesting trends in the exam data.
English Language
English Language results saw students who achieved a C at A-Level stay consistent at 34%* (this had dropped only slightly from 34.2% in 2024) and students who gained a B grade rise to 31.8% (from 30.8% in 2024) – this shows us that students are effectively studying to gain these pass marks.
However, the most interesting data is always when we examine the A*/A grades achieved. For the top grades there was a very small increase to 2.5% of all grades issued (from 2.3% in 2024) but there was also an increase in A grades achieved, raising to 10.8% of all grades issued, this has raised from 9.2% in 2024 showing an increase across the cohort in these top grades!
English Literature
For the first time since 2019, English Literature was one of the subjects that saw drops across all grades from A* – C.
The data clearly shows that students who achieved C and B grades dropped to 81.7% (from 82.9% in 2024) – whilst this shows that there is a drop, these results still show excellence for the majority of students in th 2025 cohort in this subject. A grades also saw a drop to 24.6% (from 25.2% in 2024) and the top grades of A* dropped to 9.4% (from 9.8% in 2024).
Overall, this data shows us that to achieve top results in English Literature is becoming slightly harder at A-level, which tells us as educators and students that more focus on exam skills and revision is vital for students to excel in this subject.
Results are not everything
Although results and data is interesting and does help us to prepare for future examinations, we do need to remember that results are not everything, as long as students have worked hard, revised and tried their hardest then all results are wonderful – they are a snapshot of a student’s academic career.
Well done to all of the 2025 A-level cohort; we wish you well in your future academic or work journeys going forward!
For information for A-Level tutoring services for both English Language and Literature click here
- All data taken from OFQUAL and Joint Council of Qualifications