As students receive their A-level results today, new figures suggest employers are placing less emphasis on grades and more on practical abilities that combine technical know-how with human judgement.
Data from global talent discovery platform TestGorilla shows UK employers assigned candidates more than 312,000 of its skills tests between January and August this year, a 33% increase on the same period in 2024. The most widely used were Communication, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking, underscoring the enduring value of soft skills in an increasingly automated workplace.
But the steepest rises were in assessments pairing technical proficiency with human judgement, from spotting and fixing errors to applying data in real-world contexts and coordinating complex projects. The fastest-growing skills test among UK employers was Coding: Debugging, up 788% year-on-year, followed by Market Analysis (+198%) and Project Management (+85%), all of which rely on combining technical expertise with human oversight and analytical skill.
The rapid shift towards a skills-based hiring model is echoed in a recent survey by TestGorilla, which found that 77% of UK employers use skills tests in recruitment and half have removed degree requirements from job ads altogether.
Olive Turon, Head of People and Culture at TestGorilla, said:
“Your A-levels can open doors, but it’s your skills that keep them open. Employers are looking for a new kind of ‘hybrid’ professional with the technical expertise to work alongside AI and the human strengths to collaborate, solve problems, and make sound decisions in complex, team-based environments.
"For students, the rise of skills-based hiring should be empowering. It marks a decisive shift in how early-career talent is assessed, away from CVs and grades toward practical, job-ready abilities – many of which can be developed without a university degree. Whether through higher education, a micro-internship, or a side hustle, your future isn’t defined by exam scores alone, but by the skills you build, both inside and outside the classroom.”
