East Midlands sees biggest drop in top A-level grades
Regional inequalities in education suggested by the latest A-level results
Recent A-level results suggest stark regional disparities in educational outcomes across England, with the East Midlands experiencing the largest decline in top grades.
According to Press Association analysis, while London continues to pull ahead with 32.7% of entries awarded A or A*, the North East and East Midlands lag behind at 23.1%.
This 9.6 percentage point gap between London and the two regions marks a record since the current grading system began in 2010.
London becoming an educational outlier
Lee Elliot Major, a social mobility professor at Exeter University, commented on these findings, suggesting that England’s educational landscape is “increasingly a story of London pulling away from much of the country.”
He described London as an “educational outlier” and warned that the current system is failing many young people, especially in regions like the North East and East Midlands.
Prof Major highlighted the persistent attainment gaps by background and place, combined with high levels of school absence and increasing divides outside the school gates.
He advocated for an “ambitious, region-first approach” to address barriers faced by young people both inside and outside school.
The Government and educational opportunities
Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith emphasised the Government’s commitment to closing attainment gaps.
She stated, “It’s got to be the case that wherever you are in the country, you stand a really good chance of being able to achieve what you want to achieve.”
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, expressed disappointment that only London and the South East exceeded the English average in A-level grades, highlighting the need for increased opportunities in the North.
Broader regional disparities in education
Beyond the East Midlands' significant drop, two other regions—eastern England and north-west England—also saw a year-on-year decline in top grades.
Regionally, after London, south-east England boasted the highest percentage of entries at A or A*, with 31.5%.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union NAHT, voiced concerns over these regional disparities.
He cited factors such as poverty levels, varying investment in education and infrastructure, and the pandemic's lingering impact as possible contributors.
Whiteman stressed the importance of early years investment and addressing poverty's root causes.