A-level results day 2026: What you need to know
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Waiting for your A-level results can feel exciting, nerve-racking, or a bit of both. Whatever you're feeling, being prepared can make results day much less stressful.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect on results day, how to check your results, and the steps you can take depending on your outcome. Whether you meet your offers or need to explore other paths, you’ll find clear advice on what to do on A-level results day 2026.
When is A-level results day?
A-level results day usually takes place in mid-August, and A-level results day 2026 takes place on Thursday 13 August.
Before results day
In the days leading up to results day, make sure to:
- Check how and where you’ll get your results. Some schools and colleges release results in person, while others do so online.
- Make sure you know your login details if you’re accessing results online.
- Keep your university contact details close by in case you need them
- Think about what you'll do if your results are different from what you expected, including options like Clearing or deferring your place.
What time are A-level results published?
A-level results are usually available from 8.00am, although the exact time you receive them depends on your school or college. UCAS then sends the results to universities shortly after. You won’t find your results in UCAS Hub itself, but you’ll need it to manage your offers. Instead, you can usually pick up your results from your school/college, but the timings of when they are released and ready for collection can vary, so make sure to check with your school/college for specific times.
Don't worry if your UCAS Hub doesn't update immediately. Results are shared between exam boards, UCAS and universities throughout the morning, so it can take a little time for everything to appear. Just keep checking for updates!
What to do once you have your result?
The UCAS site is typically the place to go on A-level results day, once the results have been published. However, the system may be busy with lots of students wanting to access their results, so be prepared for a small wait to be able to make changes in your UCAS Hub.
On results day
Once you have your results, go to your UCAS Hub to check the status of your university offers. When logged in, look for these statuses on your offers:
- Unconditional – Congratulations! If you've met the conditions of your offer, your place is confirmed. Keep an eye on your UCAS Hub and your emails for information about what happens next.
- Unsuccessful – Not getting the grades you hoped for can feel disappointing, but it doesn't necessarily mean you can't go to university this year. There are still several options available to you.
- Unconditional Changed Course – You didn’t meet the conditions for your chosen course, but are offered a related course with lower requirements.
Unconditional (you got the results you need)
If you met the offer requirements, congratulations! Now, just watch for updates via your UCAS Hub or emails for next steps.
Unsuccessful (you didn’t get the results you need)
If your results did not meet the requirements of your offer, here are your options:
- Apply through Clearing to find other courses or universities.
- Appeal your results if you think there's been a mistake with your results, speak to your school or college about it. You may also be able to retake exams or discuss your options with your chosen university. Remember that an appeal could increase, decrease or leave your grade unchanged. You can also raise a complaint to Ofqual.
Unconditional Changed Course
If you didn’t quite get the grades for your original choice, your university might offer you a place on a similar course with lower entry requirements, or suggest a different start date, like deferred entry.
You’ll have five days to consider your options, and you can contact the university directly if you want to talk it through.
Next steps you can take:
- Check your offer – Log in to your UCAS application to review the details of the new course.
- Accept it – If it’s a course you’re happy with, confirm your place in your UCAS application.
- Decline it – If it’s not the right fit, reject the offer in your application and look at other options, like your insurance choice or applying through Clearing.
Apply now for September 2026
You can apply for September 2026 entry as soon as you have your confirmed results.
After results day
Once your university place is confirmed, take a moment to celebrate. Whether you're celebrating with family, friends or teachers, you've reached an important milestone. Then it's time to start getting ready for university life.
Before you start university, here are a few things to tick off your list:
- Secure your accommodation: Make sure you have housing arranged.
- Find out what student life is like: From places to eat and study spaces to clubs, societies and more.
- Prepare for university: Familiarise yourself with university resources and services.
