A-Level Results Day 2026
Thursday 13 August 2026
A practical UK guide to A-Level Results Day 2026: the confirmed date, what time results come out, what happens on the day, and reassuring advice for whatever grades you receive.
— days to go until 8:00am UK time
A-Level Results Day 2026 is Thursday 13 August 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Results are typically released from 8:00am UK time. If you are wondering how many days until A-Level Results Day 2026, the live countdown on our dedicated page always shows the exact time remaining.
In Scotland, SQA Higher and Advanced Higher results are released earlier — on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
When is A-Level Results Day 2026?
A-Level Results Day 2026 falls on Thursday 13 August 2026. This is the day sixth forms, colleges and schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland release A-Level results to students. Most students collect results in person or receive them by email or through an online school portal from around 8:00am, though the exact method depends on your school or college. In Scotland, SQA Higher and Advanced Higher results are released earlier, on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
What time are A-Level results released?
Results are usually available to collect from around 8:00am UK time on the day, but this is a general guide rather than a fixed national rule — some schools and colleges open earlier for students who want to be first in the queue, while others release results by email or app slightly later in the morning. Your UCAS application is typically updated on results morning.
How do students get their A-Level results?
Most students collect a printed results slip in person from their school or college. Many schools also send results by email, text message or via a student portal, so if you cannot attend in person, contact your school in advance to ask what options are available. Universities receive grade data directly from exam boards before the public release. It is a good idea to check your UCAS application first, then collect your physical slip — having your school's reference number handy helps if you need to query anything.
What happens on A-Level Results Day?
On results day, students visit their school or college from around 8:00am to collect a printed slip showing their grades, or receive results by email or through an online portal. Most schools have staff — including teachers, heads of sixth form and sometimes independent advisors — available throughout the morning to talk through results. Universities receive grade data directly from exam boards in advance of the public release. Students who have met their offer will see their place confirmed. Those who have not met their offer may be able to use Clearing. Your application will show whether you are in Clearing, and a Clearing number will appear under your application status if you are eligible.
How to prepare for results day
- ID if required by your school or college
- UCAS login details, and your Clearing number if you have one
- Phone charger, in case you need to make calls to universities
- Notes for Clearing (backup course choices, grades, personal statement points)
- Contact details for your school, college or head of sixth form
- A plan for who is coming with you, or who to call once you have your grades
If your results are better than expected
If your grades are better than expected, you may want to explore different courses or universities. UCAS Adjustment is no longer available, so this now works through Clearing. If you are holding an unconditional firm place and no longer want to take it up, you may be able to use the "Decline my place" option in your UCAS application to release yourself into Clearing. Use this carefully. If you decline your place, your confirmed place is cancelled and you may also lose related arrangements such as accommodation or scholarships. You will also lose your insurance place. You should only do this if you are sure you no longer want your place. Before declining your place, speak to your school, college, adviser, or the university or college involved. If you are considering another course or university, check the official Clearing guidance and speak to the provider before making a final decision. If you want to stay at the same university or college but change course, speak to them directly first rather than declining your place.
If your results are lower than expected
If your grades are lower than expected, check your UCAS application first — many universities still confirm places on adjusted grades, so do not assume you have lost your offer. If your firm and insurance choices do not work out, UCAS Clearing lets you apply for other available courses from results day through to late September. You can also ask your school or exam centre about a review of marking or an appeal through the relevant exam board if you believe a result is wrong — there are deadlines for this, so raise it with your school as soon as possible. Speaking to your school, college or the university admissions team directly can also help clarify your options.
UCAS Clearing and resits: what to do next
- Log in to your UCAS application through the UCAS Hub as soon as results are released to check your status
- Check whether your firm or insurance choice has confirmed your place
- If you are unplaced, check your Clearing matches in your UCAS Hub. UCAS suggests courses based on your application and what universities are looking for
- If needed, list your Clearing number, grades and personal statement points before calling universities
- Research backup course options in advance where possible
- Ask your school about resit options for individual modules or exam board resit windows if you want to improve a grade
- Ask a parent, guardian, teacher or advisor for support if you feel unsure
Useful links for students and parents
- UCAS — university applications and student information
- UCAS Clearing — find courses with places available
- UCAS - declining your firm place and entering Clearing
- UCAS - your Clearing matches
- JCQ Post-Results Services — reviews of marking, appeals and clerical checks
- Ofqual — the exams regulator in England
External links open in a new tab. TimeInUK is not affiliated with any of these organisations.
Teachers and site owners: embed a free results-day countdown on your website.
Frequently asked questions
When is A-Level Results Day 2026?
A-Level Results Day 2026 is Thursday 13 August 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, SQA Higher and Advanced Higher results come out on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
What time are A-Level exam results released?
Many schools and colleges make results available from around 8:00am UK time, but exact timings can vary and each centre sets its own arrangements. Your UCAS application is typically updated on results morning.
Can A-Level results be collected online?
Many schools and colleges now offer online or emailed results in addition to, or instead of, in-person collection. Your UCAS application is also updated with confirmation of university places once results are released.
What is UCAS Clearing?
UCAS Clearing is the process that matches students without a confirmed university place to courses that still have places available. It runs from results day through to late September.
What can students do if their A-Level results are lower than expected?
Check your UCAS application first — many universities still confirm places on adjusted grades. If your firm and insurance choices do not work out, UCAS Clearing is available from results day. You can also ask your school about a review of marking or an appeal through the relevant exam board. Speak to your school promptly, as there are deadlines.
What happens if A-Level results are better than expected?
UCAS Adjustment is no longer available, so exploring a different course or university now works through Clearing. If you hold an unconditional firm place and no longer want to take it up, you may be able to use the "Decline my place" option in your UCAS application to release yourself into Clearing. Use this carefully: your confirmed place is cancelled, you lose your insurance place, and you may lose related arrangements such as accommodation or scholarships. Speak to your school, college, adviser, or the university or college involved before declining your place.
How many days are left until A-Level Results Day 2026?
Visit our Days Until A-Level Results Day page for a live countdown that updates in real time to 8:00am UK time on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Do all schools release results at the same time?
No. Result release and collection times vary between schools and colleges, so it is best to confirm arrangements directly with your own school or college.
This is not an official source. Dates and times are provided as a helpful guide only. Always check final arrangements with your school, college, exam board, UCAS or local authority where relevant. TimeInUK is not UCAS, Ofqual, an exam board or an official school source.