Ofqual Unveils Local Authority Exam Results Data for Enhanced Educational Insights

Ofqual has unveiled an enhanced interactive map in anticipation of this year’s results days, providing students, policymakers, and the general public with a comprehensive regional overview of qualification outcomes across England.

This marks the inaugural instance of qualification results and subject uptake being made available at the local authority level on results days. This initiative coincides with the increasing empowerment of local leaders to make decisions that influence their communities.

New Features of the Ofqual Analytics Platform

As of Friday, 7 August, the Ofqual Analytics platform allows users to delve into results categorised by local authority district, administrative county or unitary authority, as well as administrative region. The improvements were implemented in response to user feedback, which highlighted the need for more detailed and geographically precise data. This change underscores the rising significance of local and regional data as decision-making processes are decentralised to better serve communities. Previously, the map offered limited information, focusing on ceremonial counties.

The updated map illustrates the percentage of students achieving specific grades in various subjects across different regions of England. Additionally, it provides insights into subject uptake, indicating how many students engaged with each subject in particular areas.

During results week, thousands of individuals engage with Ofqual’s Analytics webpages. The platform encompasses a wide range of qualifications, including GCSEs, A Levels, T Level Technical Qualifications, and Performance Table Qualifications.

Insights from Education Leaders

Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator at Ofqual, remarked that “Clear and useful data on qualifications and outcomes by local authority and region will empower local leaders and policymakers, as well as students and parents, to better understand performance in their own area.” He emphasised the importance of providing those at the grassroots level with the necessary evidence to effectively serve their communities as power and accountability transition to local jurisdictions.

Jon Andrews, Head of Analysis at the Education Policy Institute, added that results days are a highlight of the educational calendar. While primarily focused on the experiences of thousands of students receiving their results, these days also provide an opportunity to assess the broader performance of the educational system. The new breakdowns will facilitate timely analyses of disparities in outcomes across the nation.

Anticipated Release of Results Data

The results data for 2026 will be accessible on the platform from 9:30 am on results days, specifically Thursday, 13 August 2026, for A Level results and Thursday, 20 August 2026, for GCSE results. Users can expect the data to be available shortly after its release.

For further information, Ofqual Analytics offers a variety of interactive visualisations that allow users to explore the data collected on the qualifications system in England. From 7 August at 00:01 am, users can access the new visualisation format for GCSE and A Level results spanning from 2019 to 2025.

It is essential to note that all visualisations presented on results days are derived from Ofqual’s own data, which may exhibit slight discrepancies from figures reported by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). This is due to Ofqual obtaining data directly from awarding organisations slightly earlier than the JCQ, during which time a small number of results may still be processing.

Additionally, the Department for Education publishes statistics regarding key stage 4 performance and A level results for students aged 16 to 18 later in the year, which include some regional and local authority breakdowns.

For media inquiries, please reach out to Ofqual’s press office at media@ofqual.gov.uk or call 0300 303 3014.