Brighton and Hove students beat national A-level average for 13th year running
Brighton and Hove students beat the national average again this year
Students across Brighton and Hove have beaten the national average at A-level for the 13th year running, according to provisional results released on results day.
The city's A-level results have sat on or above the national average every year for more than a decade. This year 98.3% of A-level students in Brighton and Hove achieved grades A* to E, and 63.4% reached grades A* to B.
Students taking vocational and technical routes did well too. More than 1,500 young people across the city entered Vocational and Technical Qualifications, including BTECs, as an alternative to A-levels, and results show a 97.4% pass rate for those qualifications in 2026.
Results at a glance
Source: Brighton and Hove City Council, provisional 2026 results
A word for students
Vocational and technical qualifications, including BTECs, are practical courses built to give young people the skills and hands-on experience needed for a particular job, and the city's strong pass rate reflects a growing number of students taking that route.
"I'd like to congratulate all of our A-level, T-level and VTQ students who received their results today and wish you the best of luck for the future, whether you're going to university, an apprenticeship, employment, or something else entirely."
Students should be "incredibly proud" of what they have achieved, she added, and anyone needing extra support can speak to their school or college, reach out to the council's Youth Employability Service, or call the National Careers Service helpline.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services
Schools and colleges are offering support on A-level, T-level and VTQ results day through senior leaders and careers staff.
Where to get help and what to do next
Whatever the results, there are plenty of routes open, from university and further study to jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships, volunteering or a gap year. Here is where to turn for advice.
Your options after college
After college you can carry on learning, take a training course, go straight into a job or apprenticeship, or take a gap year. What fits best depends on whether you have a particular career in mind and what opportunities are available.
The council's Youth Employment Hub sets out the full range of paths, covering university, further study, jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships, short courses and personal development, volunteering and gap years. The education, training and personal development section also has tailored guidance for young people finishing school, those applying to university, those finishing university, and people aged 19 and over returning to education after time out.
Many short courses, training and volunteering opportunities help cover expenses, so it is worth checking with the provider. You can also find out whether you can get benefits and read up on student finance and funding options.
Book support at the Youth Employment Hub
A free, welcoming space in Kemptown for 16 to 25 year olds
The Hub offers drop-in help with job searching, CV writing, interview preparation, finding courses and apprenticeships, and planning your next steps, plus free access to computers, printers and scanners and one-to-one appointments with careers advisors.
Youth Employment Hub, Montague House, Montague Place, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1JE. Nearest bus stops Upper Bedford Street. Phone 01273 291 654 or email youthemploymenthub@brighton-hove.gov.uk
See upcoming sessions and book on Eventbrite
Or contact the Youth Employment Hub to make, change or cancel an appointment
Useful links and sources
National Careers Service exam results
Youth Employment Hub
Contact the Youth Employment Hub
Youth Employment Hub on Eventbrite
Search apprenticeships in Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove City Council jobs
Benefits and financial advice
Student finance and funding options