Thousands of students just received their A-level, T-level, BTec National and other Level 3 results, with top A-level results across England, Wales and Northern Ireland rising - 28.3% of all grades marked at A* or A, up from 27.8% last year.
Ucas said that a record number of students got into their first-choice university, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson saying: “The results show a steadying of the ship, following the pandemic. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham added: “It's important that technical or vocational qualifications are given the same weight as A-levels.
“There's always been a snobbery in this country towards technical qualifications, always seen as second class," he added. He went on to say that these types of qualifications should be better promoted and more easily accessible.
"We're as proud of A-level students getting other results today, but it all needs to be recognised," he says. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, said: "Whatever the outcome, if you’ve worked hard, you should be proud.
"I want all young people to have the opportunity to realise their ambition and get the skills they need to thrive." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch congratulated the students, saying: "This is just one step on a much bigger journey.
"But you must remember, your results don’t decide your future, you do." According to Ucas, this year, a record 226,500 18-year-olds have secured their first-choice university place, while thousands more are expected to go through clearing over the coming weeks.
Clearing is the system that matches university applicants who haven't had an offer with institutions that still have unfilled places.
