Congratulations on your exam results.

Whether it is A-levels or other post-16 exams in history or any other subject – well done – phew milestone achieved. Fewer of you sat A-levels this year across all subjects,  despite there being more of you reaching the age of 18. Entries for history fell by 5.5% which the HA will continue to monitor. However, pass rates for history are holding strong - in fact, slightly up on last year, with the A-C pass rate going up from 81.2% in 2024 to 83.9% this year, so give yourselves a big pat on the back!  

You’ve worked hard to get this far, even if you are not always recognised for it – so take a breath and consider your options carefully.

In a selfish way, we hope that you have studied history at A-level or a related qualification, with the intention of carrying on further with it, academically or professionally. However, statistically that is not always likely, which is a shame as studying history and working in the history and heritage community is incredibly fulfilling and satisfying.

What we do know is that if you have studied history or a related subject, then the knowledge you have learnt as well as the skills that you have gained will stand you in good stead for tackling any number of subjects, careers and current affairs discussions that you may now choose or encounter as you move forward. Studying history provides you with an academic rigour and knowledge base which equips you with an ability to decipher the complicated world around you. Studying it in detail hones a person's investigative skills as well as their analytical ones. 

Regardless of what you are going to do next, remember that a love of history is something that you can carry with you throughout your life, in many careers and life choices – and that the Historical Association is happy to help support that love and interest along the way. Just as the study of history can be about listening to the voices of the past, the Historical Association is also about gathering voices together to share historical knowledge, provide expertise and to develop an environment where questions of the past can be asked and discussed, allowing many voices to contribute, listen and learn.

Now go and enjoy yourself - you will have had enough of lectures!

Oh, and teachers, parents, guardians and mentors – relax, breathe deeply, pat yourself on the back for getting this far and get ready for the next challenge!