The 2026 Alps Customer Benchmarks: Analysis and Recommendations – OVERVIEW ARTICLE

Last updated 28 July 2026

This article will act as the central hub for all Alps Customer Benchmark updates published during August and September 2026. Links to detailed analysis articles for each qualification type will be added here as they become available.

KS5 ENGLAND: Key Information prior to Results Day

The default dataset on Toggle 1 (National dataset) on KS5 Results Day is the 2025 DfE National dataset. 

In terms of the release of the benchmarks into Connect and Summit, for each qualification type we will independently assess the outcomes and update this article with next steps. Specifically we will determine:

1. Does the 2026 Alps Customer Benchmark appear to be representative of the national dataset, defined as the DfE 2025 national dataset for all Key Stage 5 qualifications.
2. In the opinion of the Alps team, will the 2026 Alps Customer Benchmarks provide customers with value-added analysis that may be more in line with the 2026 DfE national dataset when available.

KS4 ENGLAND: Key Information prior to Results Day

We are not producing 2026 Alps Customer Benchmarks for KS4, since nationally there is no standardised prior attainment again this year, due to the cancelled KS2 SATS during COVID.

For KS4 analysis in Connect, the default benchmark set will remain as the 2024 DfE National dataset, both on Toggle 1 (“National Dataset”) and Toggle 2 (Customer Dataset).

KS5 WALES: Key Information prior to Results Day

The default dataset on Toggle 1 (National dataset) on KS5 Results Day is the 2019 National dataset.

Due to the unique nature of the value-added picture in Wales at KS5 in 2026, it is our intention to publish Welsh only benchmarks for the qualification types listed below. This will rely on having a sufficient amount of Welsh data from which to generate the dataset. 

1. A level Wales, including the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
2. AS level Wales
3. WJEC Level 3 qualifications

KS4 WALES: Key Information prior to Results Day

The default dataset for Results Day will not change. Toggle 1 will continue to show the existing benchmark as per monitoring across the year.

Note: we will generate a new 2026 Alps Customer benchmark for KS4 to support Curriculum for Wales from September 2026 onwards. This will be a Welsh only benchmark and can be used with incoming Year 10 and 11 students only. More information:  https://support.alps.education/portal/en/kb/articles/supporting-welsh-schools-and-local-authorities-through-ks4-curriculum-reform

TIMELINE

1. A Level ENGLAND and JERSEY

Release to Connect and Summit: By 12:00pm BST on Tuesday 25 August 2026 

A link to the supporting article on A Level analysis and decisions will be published here prior to the release.

A Level England and A Level Jersey – the 2026 Alps Customer benchmark will be integrated into Connect and Summit before 12pm on Tuesday 25 August 2026. Please note that the LIBF qualifications and L3 Core Maths will also be included as part of this release.

We will also publish a high-level summary of the 2026 A Level outcomes (Alps Customer Benchmark) once benchmark generation has been completed.

2. KS5 BTEC and Cam Tec Level 3 ENGLAND & JERSEY

A link to the supporting article on BTEC and Cam Tec Level 3 analysis and decisions will be published here by Wednesday 26 August

We will also publish a high-level summary from vocational outcomes 2025 once the decisions have been finalised.

3. A Level WALES

Release to Connect and Summit: By 12:00pm BST on Wednesday 9 September 2026 

A link to the supporting article on A Level analysis and decisions will be published here prior to the release.

The 2026 Alps Customer Benchmark for A Level Wales will be integrated into Connect and Summit by 12:00pm on Wednesday 9 September 2026.

We will also publish a high-level summary of the 2026 A Level outcomes (Alps Customer Benchmark) once benchmark generation has been completed.

4. AS Level and WJEC L3 WALES

Release to Connect and Summit: By end of September 2026 

A link to the supporting article on AS Level analysis and decisions will be published here prior to the release.

The 2026 Alps Customer Benchmark for AS Level Wales will be integrated into Connect and Summit by the end of September 2026, subject to sufficient data being available to support benchmark generation.

We will also publish a high-level summary of the 2026 A Level outcomes (Alps Customer Benchmark) once benchmark generation has been completed.