Young people in Bradford marked A-level results day with festivities as data revealed the area had achieved one of the nation’s most significant upticks in top grades.
This year, more than a quarter (25.6%) of entries in Bradford earned the highest marks of A* or A, climbing from 23% in 2025, according to figures from Ofqual.
The region saw the 12th biggest rise in top grades across the country between 2025 and 2026, outpacing every other part of Yorkshire.
Councillor Sally Birch (Reform, Windhill and Wrose), who oversees Children and Families at Bradford Council, sent her warmest wishes to pupils throughout the district.
She expressed her delight at everyone collecting their results, hoping they had obtained what they aimed for and could savour recognition of their efforts and commitment.
She encouraged those who felt their outcomes had not matched expectations not to lose heart, noting that multiple pathways into further education, training and jobs exist and that help is at hand to explore alternatives.
Regional performance below UK average
While Yorkshire and the Humber also saw top grades increase, with the proportion climbing from 25.3% to 25.7%, the wider area still lagged behind the national figure of 28.3% and remained behind several other English regions.
For passes at grades A* through to C, the region improved from 76.8% to 78.1%, matching the UK average of 78.1%.
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, observed that Bradford was among several former Opportunity Areas to show marked progress in prestigious grades over the past twelve months.
He noted that northern areas have traditionally seen fewer pupils attaining A and A* grades compared with other parts of England, yet pointed to Bradford as a place where improvement had exceeded the broader Yorkshire and the Humber trend.
He acknowledged that although certain regions may face considerable obstacles for young people, focused efforts can yield progress.
Bradford Grammar School enjoys continued success
Pupils at Bradford Grammar School are revelling in another excellent set of outcomes, with one-fifth of entries at the top A* grade and over half reaching A* or A.
The institution reported that 85% of entries fell within the A* to B range while maintaining a flawless pass rate.
Virtually all leavers obtained spots at their preferred universities, ranging from medicine and dentistry to engineering, politics, economics and computer science, with some choosing apprenticeship routes instead.
Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe described the outcomes as another set of outstanding grades.
He noted that while attention often focuses on southern schools and regional inequalities, this represents encouraging news for the north.
Among those celebrating was Oles Kuzomko, 18, who escaped Kyiv after Russia’s military offensive and whose father died as the family rebuilt their existence in Britain.
Oles and his mother eventually made their home in Silsden.
He attained A* grades in psychology and Russian, alongside A grades in history and business, plus an A* for his Extended Project Qualification, earning him a place to read Law at Durham University.
Shipley College sees substantial gains
Shipley College announced a notable jump in success rates for Level 3 students this year.
The college revealed that 88% of its students aged 16 to 18 accomplished their regulated qualifications, rising to 90% when all those completing Level 3 studies were counted.
Overall success rates climbed by 5.5 percentage points year-on-year, while regulated qualification achievement jumped by 10 percentage points.
Fifty percent of all Level 3 programmes posted success rates above 90%.
Among those in high spirits was Anna, who earned a Merit in T Level Health and is set to study Adult Nursing at the University of Bradford.
Belle Vue Girls’ Academy also posted impressive outcomes, with over 40% of A-level pupils securing grades A* to B and more than 70% obtaining at least a grade C.
Vocational learners excelled too, with over half gaining Distinction* or Distinction grades and 85% reaching Merit or above.
The academy maintained a 100% pass rate across the board.
Learner Mehak Iqbal accomplished an A in English Literature and sociology alongside a C in psychology.
She intends to continue her studies at Bradford College on a teaching in education programme.
She expressed her pleasure with her outcome, noting that despite finding the journey demanding, all her dedication and persistence had proved worthwhile.
Help on offer
While numerous students savoured university acceptances and apprenticeship offers, Bradford Council confirmed assistance remains accessible for anyone uncertain about their direction.
SkillsHouse advisors and training providers are slated to appear at a Next Steps gathering at Darley Street Market on August 20.