The 2026 Alps Customer Benchmarks: Analysis and recommendations - OVERVIEW ARTICLE

The 2026 Alps Customer Benchmarks: Analysis and recommendations - OVERVIEW ARTICLE

Overview article for all analysis from 2026 Alps Customer datasets

Last updated 16 July 2026


This article will serve as the index for all updates with regards to our Alps Customer Benchmarks across August and September 2026.

In it, we will publish links to the articles providing analysis from each of the qualifications types.

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

Latest: From 12pm on Tuesday 25 August 2026 

Supporting article on A level analysis and decisions: Link will be posted by Monday 24 August

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. 

Note that the LIBF qualifications will form part of this release as will the L3 Core Maths. 

High level summary from A level outcomes (Alps Customer Benchmark) 2026

To be updated on generation of benchmark

2. KS5 BTEC and Cam Tec Level 3 ENGLAND

Supporting article on BTEC and Cam Tec Level 3 analysis and decisions: Link will be posted by Wednesday 26 August

BTEC L3 and Cam Tec L3 for England and Jersey - the 2026 Alps Customer benchmark will be analysed and decisions made on the way in which we will use the benchmark in the platforms by Wednesday 26 August. 

Note that other vocational qualifications will follow once decisions on the BTEC and Cam Tec Level 3 courses have been made. Specifically: 
UAL qualifications, WJEC Level 3 qualifications and CACHE qualifications. 

High level summary from vocational outcomes 2025

  1. To be updated on generation of benchmark


3. A Level WALES

Latest: From 12pm on Wednesday 9 September 2026 

Supporting article on A level analysis and decisions: Link will be posted by Monday 7 September

A level Wales - the 2026 Alps Customer benchmark will be integrated into Connect and Summit before 12pm on Wednesday 9 September 2026. 

High level summary from A level outcomes (Alps Customer Benchmark) 2026

To be updated on generation of benchmark


4. AS Level and WJEC L3 WALES

Latest: From End September 2026 

Supporting article on AS level analysis and decisions: Link will be posted by Monday 28 September

AS level Wales - the 2026 Alps Customer benchmark (if sufficient data allows) will be integrated into Connect and Summit before end September 2026. 

High level summary from AS level outcomes (Alps Customer Benchmark) 2026

To be updated on generation of benchmark


Switching your benchmarks:

  1. A reminder on recommendation for benchmarks can be found here: https://support.alps.education/portal/en/kb/articles/recommendations-for-benchmark-selection
  2. And simple instructions on the toggle: https://support.alps.education/portal/en/kb/articles/benchmark-selector