What Are ‘Good’ A Level Grades?

Waiting for A Level results is one of the most stressful moments of any student's life. And when results day finally arrives, one question dominates: are my grades good enough?

The answer isn't always obvious. "Good" depends on what you want to do next, and the bar looks very different depending on whether you're targeting a top Russell Group university, an apprenticeship, or a job.

This guide breaks down what good A Level grades are at every level, what the national averages tell us, and what your grades mean for your future. 

Key Takeaways

• A Level grades run from A* (highest) to E (lowest passing grade). A U grade is a fail.

• In 2025, the overall A Level pass rate (A*–E) in England was (opens in a new tab)97.4% (opens in a new tab), so the vast majority of students who sit A Levels do pass.

• What counts as a "good" grade depends entirely on your goals: top universities, apprenticeships, and employers all use different benchmarks.

How Are A Levels Graded?

A Levels are graded on a scale of A*-E, with A* being the highest and E being the minimum passing grade. A U (Ungraded) means a fail.

Here's a quick overview of what each grade represents:

Most students take three A Levels (sometimes four if they’re stretching themselves, or two alongside other qualifications like BTECs). 

So, instead of looking at single grades in isolation, employers, universities, and training providers look at the combination of grades you achieve.

What Is Considered a Good A Level Grade?

There's no single answer. It depends on what you want to do next.

Good A Level Grades for University

Most UK universities will make conditional offers based on specific A Level grades. A good A Level grade for university purposes is a B or above, though this varies widely by institution and course.

Highly competitive universities - including most Russell Group institutions - ask for AAA or higher. For example, King’s College London requires AAA to study Engineering (opens in a new tab) at undergraduate level.

Some of the most sought-after courses, such as Medicine, Law, or Economics at Oxford or Cambridge, require AA*A* or AAA*. For example, if you want to study Chemistry at Oxford, you’ll need to hit A*A*A. (opens in a new tab)

For less selective universities, offers of BBB, BBC, or BCC are common. Many courses also accept students through Clearing, where requirements are more flexible.

Always check UCAS entry requirements for the specific course and university you're targeting.

For Apprenticeships

Not everyone wants to go to university, and that’s completely valid. Many higher apprenticeships and entry-level jobs require passes between C and E. 

However, degree apprenticeships, particularly in engineering, law, or business, can be competitive, so be sure to investigate the specific apprenticeships you’re interested in.

For Employment

Most employers don't set specific A Level grade requirements. They tend to focus on skills, work experience, and your overall qualifications profile. And they’re often more focused on your transferable skills: 

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Resilience

• Reliability

What Do A Level Grades Mean in UCAS Points?

UCAS Tariff points (opens in a new tab) translate your grades into numbers. Universities sometimes use these to make offers.

For example, if a university asks for 120 points, you could get there with:

• Three Bs (3 × 40 = 120), or

• Two As and a C (48 + 48 + 32 = 128).

This gives you some flexibility, as one weaker subject can be balanced by strength in another.

How Do A Level Grades Vary by Subject?

Looking at national statistics helps you see where your grades sit. According to JCQ’s most recent 2025 results tables (opens in a new tab):

• Accounting is the toughest subject to achieve the highest grade, with only 1.9% achieving an A*.

• 78.2% of Maths A Level entries achieved grade C or above.

• Nearly a quarter of English Literature A Level grades were A or A* (24.6%).

Does It Matter If You Don't Get Top Grades?

Not getting A* or A grades doesn’t mean you haven’t achieved a good grade.

A C or D at A Level is still a passing grade, and it demonstrates that you completed a Level 3 qualification. Many students with lower A Level grades go on to thrive at university, in apprenticeships, and in the workplace.

There are also several options available if your grades are lower than expected:

• Clearing: If your grades don't meet your firm offer, UCAS Clearing connects you with universities that still have places. 

• Resitting: You can resit A Level exams in the following academic year if you want to improve your grades.

• Foundation years: Many universities offer foundation year entry, which requires lower grades and leads into a full degree programme.

• Apprenticeships: Many high-quality apprenticeships don't require top grades and some offer degree-level qualifications on the job.

How to Set Realistic but Ambitious Grade Goals

Good grades don’t just happen, they’re built with a clear plan. Setting the right goals means aiming high without overwhelming yourself.

Know your baseline

Start by working out where you currently stand. 

Look at your mock results, predicted grades, and past paper scores. These give you an honest picture of your strengths and weaknesses, and a starting point to measure progress from.

Set stretch targets

Ambitious goals keep you motivated, but they need to be realistic. If you’re consistently achieving Bs, push for an A. If you’re sitting at a D, aim for a C. 

Breaking progress into smaller, achievable steps helps you keep momentum and avoids the frustration of aiming too far, too fast.

Track progress carefully

Success comes from consistency. Regularly review past papers, test yourself under timed conditions, and focus on improving weaker topics. 

Ask teachers for specific feedback so you can refine your technique and see tangible improvements over time.

Balance ambition with well-being

Grades are important, but so is your health. Exhaustion will hold you back more than it will help you. Build in time for breaks, exercise, and enough sleep to keep your energy levels high and your mind sharp.

Think of your goals as a compass. They should give you direction and purpose, guiding your effort, while leaving room for flexibility if circumstances change. That way, you’re always moving forward, without feeling trapped by pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a B a good A Level grade? 

Yes, B is the most common A Level grade in England and sits above average. It's more than enough for many university courses and demonstrates solid academic performance.

What A Levels do you need for a Russell Group university? 

Most Russell Group universities ask for at least ABB, with many competitive courses requiring AAA or higher. 

Requirements vary widely by institution and subject - always check UCAS for the specific course entry requirements.

What happens if I fail an A Level? 

A U grade means you didn't achieve a pass. You can resit the exam in the next exam series. Talk to your school or college about your options. Many students successfully improve their grades on a resit.

How Save My Exams Can Help

Whether you're preparing for your A Levels or trying to make sense of your results, Save My Exams has the resources to support you.

From revision notes and past paper practice to guides on what to do on A Level results day, we've got you covered at every stage.

The most important thing to remember is that good A Level grades mean different things to different students. Explore our A Level revision resources to boost your grades today. 

References

JCQ - Exam Results Press Notice UK - 2025 (opens in a new tab)

King’s College - BEng Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)

University of Oxford - Summary Table of Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab)

UCAS - Tariff Points (opens in a new tab)

JCQ - A Level Results By Subject (opens in a new tab)