A Levels: Advice From Top Entrepreneurs To Students Getting Results

New data from careers experts Higherin shows that business and technology are the top industries looking for school leavers this year. The figures come as around 250,000 students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales wait for their A-level results to be released on Thursday 14 August 2025.

Business roles make up 26.3% of jobs open to A-level graduates, making it the most in-demand area. Technology follows with 15.9% of the market. Financial services account for 14.6%, engineering and manufacturing stand at 9.2%, and banking makes up 7.4%. These numbers highlight where employers are currently searching for young talent straight from school.

A-levels are the qualifications most students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales take at the end of their school education, usually over two years between the ages of 16 and 18. They are assessed mainly through final exams and are often required for entry into university or certain careers.

 

When Is A-level Results Day?

 

A-level results day is when students receive their grades and find out whether they have met the requirements for their chosen university courses or other opportunities. This year, results are released on 14 August in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Schools and colleges usually open from 8am for students to collect their results in person, though some send them out electronically.

The results day determines whether students go on to higher education, vocational training or employment. Many will use the day to confirm places at university, while others might decide to start work in sectors that are actively recruiting.

 

Why Do The Results Matter For Employers?

 

For employers in business, technology, financial services, engineering, manufacturing and banking, the release of A-level results is the time where new potential recruits arrive. Many companies target school leavers for entry-level roles, apprenticeships and training schemes.

The demand for business skills covers roles in administration, sales, marketing and management support. In technology, companies are looking for young people interested in IT support, coding and software testing. Financial services and banking roles often involve customer service, data handling and account management, while engineering and manufacturing employers seek those willing to train in production, design or maintenance.

The Higherin data shows where opportunities are strongest, giving this year’s school leavers a clear idea of where their qualifications might take them.

Oliver Sidwell from Higherin on the industries looking for school leavers, “It’s great to see so many sectors looking for young people. Jobs have been hit hard by financial difficulties and AI automation, so it’s reassuring that there are still opportunities for 18+ year olds.

“The business sector is looking for school leavers at the highest levels, with over a quarter of available jobs, ideal for those with business A-levels. From Business analysts to operations, this varied sector has a lot to offer.

“Tech is also on the hunt for talented youngsters, perfect for technology enthusiasts with new qualifications. There are roles in AI, cybersecurity and general IT to choose from.

“As the modern world is adapting, there are plenty of options into the career path of school leavers. Despite university being popular, there are also the likes of apprenticeships and going straight into the workforce to get ahead.

“School leavers should really think about their futures before jumping into decisions. Look at the best way to get into your chosen sector to avoid disappointment.”

 

What Advice Do Top Entrepreneurs Have For Students?

 

A few entrepreneurs and business leaders have shared their advice and tips for students who are receiving their results…

 

Our Experts:

 

• Neil Clifford, CEO, Kurt Geiger
• Sophia Johnson, Head of Business, Design Academy
• Paul Kenny, Paul Kenny, Managing Director, Aquatrust
• Victoria Usher, CEO, GingerMay
• Matthew Lloyd Davies, Principal Security Author, Pluralsight
• Lucky Nwosu, Founder and CEO, Sercasa
• Shankar Haridas, Head of UK, ManageEngin
• Mary Bonsor, Entrepreneur and Founder, Flex Legal.
• Rachel Watkyn, OBE, CEO, Tiny Box Company
• Darren Rushworth, President, NiCE International

 

Neil Clifford, CEO, Kurt Geiger

 

 

“The idea that you need a degree to succeed in fashion is outdated – I know that first-hand. I didn’t go to university, but I was given opportunities that helped me break into the industry. That’s exactly what Business by Design is about – access, experience, and real-world support.”

 

Sophia Johnson, Head of Business, Design Academy

 

 

“Young people are seeking alternative, practical routes into creative education and employment. We’re doubling the size of our Business by Design Academy cohort this year, and with demand continuing to grow, we’re opening a final round of places to ensure young people can access the vocational learning and real-world experience they need to thrive in the creative industries.”

 

Paul Kenny, Paul Kenny, Managing Director, Aquatrust

 

 

“I learned that resilience and adaptability are just as important as qualifications. My journey wasn’t linear – I didn’t go to university, and my A Level results weren’t what I’d hoped for. But I found opportunities, worked hard, and kept learning. Enrolling on the Help to Grow: Management Course in 2022 was my first real experience of returning to formal education – at the age of 50/51. It came at a crucial time in my career and gave me a real plan and purpose for my business. Help to Grow: Management reignited that learning mindset and gave me the tools to lead Aquatrust into its next chapter.”

“Your results don’t define you. They’re just one moment in time. What matters more is your attitude, your work ethic, and your willingness to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to fail – failure builds resilience.”

“I’ve failed more than once in life, but I’ve learned to pick myself back up and carry on. It makes you stronger under pressure and better equipped to lead. Feel the fear – it means you care about your direction in life. You don’t want to be just run-of-the-mill. Lean into that feeling and use it to push yourself forward.”

 

Victoria Usher, CEO, GingerMay

 

 

“I flunked my A-levels first time round. In retrospect, it was the jolt I needed, and ultimately gave me the drive I needed to do well in my degree and succeed in business. Of course, it never feels like that at the time. Failure is a crushing disappointment, but it’s potentially the greatest test you’ll have at that point in your life.

“It’s about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and channelling that unfortunate setback into a new focus. And the adage ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is absolutely true in this situation. As the CEO of a global technology PR agency, I can hand-on-heart say that flunking my A-levels was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

 

 

Matthew Lloyd Davies, Principal Security Author, Pluralsight

 

 

“As students across the country receive their results today, many will be wondering what comes next. They face an increasingly competitive job market with fewer entry-level roles available than in previous years, the job market can feel daunting.

“Increasingly, students are choosing subjects they believe will help them get into the modern workplace. Computing, for example, saw an 11.8% increase in entrants in 2024 compared to the year before, and demand is still growing.

“This interest reflects a wider recognition that digital and technical skills are some of the most valuable in today’s economy. One area where these skills are especially sought after is cybersecurity.

“Cyber isn’t just a single-track, highly technical career; it’s a broad and evolving field. Opportunities range from hands-on technical roles in threat detection to roles that call for business insight, project management and strategic thinking.

“Even students who didn’t study computing can consider cyber as a career. There are multiple routes in including apprenticeships and NCSC-certified online degrees. What matters is curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn.

“For many students, today’s results could be the first step into a career in one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand sectors of the future.”

 

Lucky Nwosu, Founder and CEO, Sercasa

 

 

“My advice to students is simple: stay curious. Results aren’t the final verdict, they’re just one chapter in a much bigger story. Use them to spot your strengths and double down on them but don’t be afraid to step into the world and learn by doing. Exams test what you know, life tests how you grow.

“Your exam results are a chapter and not the whole book.”

 

Shankar Haridas, Head of UK, ManageEngin

 

 

“It’s encouraging to see strong momentum behind STEM subjects in this year’s A Level choices. These are critical foundations for the digital economy, and it’s clear that young people are increasingly aligning their studies with future-focused sectors like technology and cybersecurity.

“At a time when the UK is facing a growing skills gap in digital and cyber roles, the momentum behind STEM subjects is great to see and it is important students understand that there are multiple routes they can take to enjoy a successful career in tech—university being just one of them.

“We’re seeing more talented candidates begin their journey in IT through apprenticeships, vocational routes, and on-the-job training. In our sector, entry-level roles in cybersecurity and enterprise tech do not require a degree, but they do demand curiosity, analytical thinking, and a willingness to learn.

“As the competition for AI skills accelerates, we have a responsibility to champion diverse routes into the workforce, widen participation, and ensure every student – regardless of background – can access the opportunities emerging in our digital future.”

 

Mary Bonsor, Entrepreneur and Founder, Flex Legal.

 

 

“My biggest advice for results day is to remember: your life is not defined by those grades. Yes, it can play a part in your immediate future, but there’s no telling what doors will open in the long term. Your career or further education can peak at any time, and if you can’t hit the ground running, there’s nothing wrong with taking it day by day.

“Success rarely follows a linear path, and we’re increasingly seeing more routes to qualifications. University, apprenticeships, and training schemes are all good ways forward, and there are more routes to qualifications out there, if you know where to look.

“Focus on multi-skilled development, online and in-person networking, and proactively seeking opportunities that lets you learn, whilst being in a supportive environment. Look at sectors you’re genuinely passionate about – it’s not often what you do in life, but why you do it.”

 

Rachel Watkyn, OBE, CEO, Tiny Box Company

 

 

“To those that did well – well done – hard work pays off. To those that didn’t get what they wanted or deserved, the most successful people have none!

“Theo Paphitis – Left school at 16 with no formal qualifications beyond O-levels. Went straight into work in retail and insurance, eventually building a career in business (Ryman, La Senza, Boux Avenue, etc.).

“Richard Branson – Left school at 16 with poor academic results due to dyslexia. No A-levels or university; started Student magazine, then Virgin Records. Billionaire status achieved without formal higher educations.

“A levels don’t define you and are not a measure of your worth in any way. They are young enough to still do anything they want in their lives.”

 

Darren Rushworth, President, NiCE International

 

 

“As students across the UK get their A-level results, they’re stepping toward a workforce transformed by AI. At NiCE, we’re seeing a new generation of digitally native applicants who don’t just use AI – they live it. They’re active in AI communities, have specialist training, and hands-on experience with large language models.

“My advice to students: go beyond textbooks. Dive into real AI projects, join online communities, and build skills machines can’t replicate. To educators: the landscape is shifting – years of experience are no longer required to step into the most cutting-edge AI roles. It’s crucial to adapt education for the AI era by embedding practical AI learning and fostering creativity, adaptability, and collaboration. This unique moment offers today’s students an unprecedented chance to leapfrog traditional career paths and shape the future of work alongside AI.

“For this generation, A-levels are just the starting line – the true launchpad will be how boldly students and schools embrace change, adapt their skills, and lead the way in an AI-powered future. And for those who don’t hit the grades they hoped for, the new world of work offers a powerful truth: success isn’t confined to exam results or traditional routes – it’s earned through curiosity, resilience, and the passion to master emerging technologies.”