Students across Central Bedfordshire have been receiving their A-level and other post-16 qualification results, marking an important milestone as they take their next steps into higher education, apprenticeships, training or employment.
Whether results are exactly what students hoped for or not, we are reminding young people that support is available to help them understand their options and make informed decisions about what comes next.
Our Youth Support Service provides impartial, up-to-date and reliable information, advice and guidance on education, employment and training opportunities for young people aged 16 to 18, and up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Dedicated careers advisers are available to support young people who may have questions about their results, university clearing, apprenticeships or alternative pathways. Students and their families can contact the team by emailing youth.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 8352.
Young people can also find free advice and resources on Find Your Future, including CV writing support, interview preparation, careers quizzes and information about different employment sectors.
The provisional 2026 Key Stage 5 results show that the average point score per entry for A-level students in Central Bedfordshire is 31.76, equivalent to an average grade of C+.
Academic students achieved an average point score of 31.79 (C+), while Technical Level students achieved an average point score of 39.03 (Distinction+), a notable 5.13% increase on last year.
Applied General students achieved an average point score of 32.68 (Distinction-), broadly in line with 2025. These figures are provisional and subject to validation by the Department for Education.
Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children and Families, said:
Firstly, I would like to congratulate everyone receiving their results. We know how much hard work, commitment and resilience goes into studying for these qualifications, and students should be proud of what they have achieved.
Results day can bring a mixture of emotions. While many young people will be celebrating, others may be feeling uncertain about their next steps. It's important to remember that there are many different routes to success and support is available to help you explore your options.
Our Youth Support Service is on hand to provide advice and guidance, whether you're considering university, an apprenticeship, further training or employment. I would encourage any young person who needs help or reassurance to get in touch with the team.