14 Aug 2026
St Albans-based educational specialist Belle Cottingham has cast a critical eye over how the district’s students performed in this year’s A level maths results.
Belle said: “There is a reason St Albans has such a strong reputation for education, and this year’s mathematics results are another indication of the ambition, commitment and high expectations that exist across our school system, and supported by the local community.
“Almost a quarter of A level mathematics students in St Albans achieved an A, compared with 17.6 per cent nationally, while almost 83 per cent achieved A–C grades. That is a fantastic achievement, particularly given that the grade boundaries were lower this year, potentially reflecting harder papers in 2026.”
In 2025: A* = 86 per cent; A = 71.3 per cent; B = 59.3 per cent; C = 47.3 per cent.
In 2026: A* = 84.6 per cent; A = 70 per cent; B = 57.7 per cent; C = 41.3 per cent.
She added: “It is also clear that mathematics remains such a popular subject locally, with 880 A level mathematics results recorded across the district. This reflects not only the quality of teaching in our schools, but also the encouragement and support that young people receive to endeavour and pursue further maths.
“Behind every result is a student who has worked incredibly hard, alongside teachers, families and schools who have supported them. These results are something to celebrate. St Albans should be proud of the culture of learning and aspiration that these results represent – and, most importantly, proud of the young people behind the numbers.”
Belle is an author and editor of maths examination resources at Olivia Press (https://oliviapress.education/) and has helped hundreds of students develop both their mathematical skills and, just as importantly, their confidence in learning. Her wealth of experience in teaching, writing and researching maths education has shaped much of her work as an educational resource creator.
Her most recent series of books cover 11+ examinations, GCSE and A levels, and are aligned with the syllabus for both foundation and higher learners. She built the publishing company on the belief that students need opportunities to practise not just routine questions, but the more challenging, multi-step oroblems that require them to think, make decisions and persevere. Skills essential not just for passing exams, but for life and careers after education.
Photo by Penny Bird.
