Top Five scheme

This summer candidates who have scored one of the top five marks in AQA A-level exams will receive a letter from Dr Mike Cresswell, our Director General, congratulating them on their achievement along with a letter for their school or college. The letters are enclosed with the results pack sent to exam centres by post.

Attaining one of the top five marks in a specification is a tremendous achievement: it does not, however, automatically mean being one of the top five candidates, because more than five candidates may achieve the top five marks. The number of letters issued therefore varies from one specification to another, and from one year to another, depending on how many candidates gain the top five marks.

We are currently reviewing the ways in which we recognise and reward achievement. As a result of this review we are phasing out the Top Five scheme and looking at different options for the future. The scheme will run for the last time with this year's A-level results.