A Level results day in 2018 represented a significant milestone for students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with many seeking ways to celebrate their achievements or simply mark the occasion regardless of outcomes. The source material highlights a variety of freebies and discounts available from restaurants and retailers, primarily focused on food and beverage offers. These promotions were designed to provide students with a moment of enjoyment on results day, often requiring presentation of A Level results slips and student identification for verification. The offers ranged from completely free items with no purchase necessary to those requiring a minimum spend or the purchase of another item. Eligibility was generally limited to A Level students, with some deals restricted by location or age. It is advisable for students to confirm offer availability directly with establishments before visiting, as promotions may be subject to change.
Overview of A Level Results Day Freebies
A Level results day in 2018 was scheduled for August 16th for students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while GCSE results followed on August 21st. In Scotland, a different qualification system meant results were released earlier, on August 7th. Beyond academic outcomes, many students also received vocational technical qualifications (VTQs), with Level 3 results such as BTecs disclosed on or before August 14th and Level 2 results by August 21st. Celebratory freebies often took the form of food and drink offers, available for dine-in or takeaway, excluding third-party delivery services. Students were typically required to present their results paper along with a student ID to claim these deals. Some establishments also offered general student discounts that could be combined with results day promotions.
The freebies covered a variety of cuisines and settings, from casual pizza chains to more upscale dining options. Key themes included no-purchase-required offers for a truly free experience, as well as "buy one, get one free" style deals to encourage group celebrations. Offers were often announced late, so following restaurants on social media was recommended for the latest updates. Additionally, joining loyalty programmes or downloading apps in advance could be necessary for redeeming certain discounts.
No Purchase Required Freebies
Several prominent UK restaurant chains provided free items on A Level results day without any additional purchase, allowing students to enjoy a treat at no cost. These offers were straightforward, typically just requiring the presentation of results and identification.
Byron Burgers offered a free "Proper Burger" from their main menu, with no purchase necessary. Students could choose from classic beef, crispy chicken, or vegan options, making it inclusive for various dietary preferences. To claim, simply present A Level results at participating locations.
Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza in Southwark provided potentially one of the most generous freebies: 75 minutes of bottomless pizza, completely free of charge and with no purchase required. However, this offer was limited to the Southwark branch only, so it was ideal for those in the local area.
Three Cheers Pub Co. extended a free drink offer to students aged 18 and over in South London. Eligible participants could select from a pint of Amstel, a glass of wine, a house spirit and mixer, or a soft drink by presenting A Level results at any of their pubs.
Bird & Blend Tea Co. catered to those preferring a non-alcoholic option with a free iced matcha latte, available upon showing A Level results. This was a quieter alternative to pub celebrations.
Where The Pancakes Are, a London-based establishment, offered a cold beer, glass of bubbly, or a dessert free of charge when students presented their results. The dessert option included a warm cinnamon-chocolate cookie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce, adding a sweet touch to the day.
Frankie & Benny’s provided a free Margherita pizza with no additional purchase necessary. This Italian-American chain's offer was simple: show results to enjoy a comforting meal.
Freebies with a Minimum Spend or Purchase Requirement
Many deals required students to spend a certain amount or buy another item to qualify for a freebie, often making them suitable for group celebrations where the total bill met the threshold.
Nando’s, a popular peri-peri chicken chain, offered a free ¼ chicken or starter with a minimum spend of £7. Students needed to present both their A Level results and student ID to redeem this, which was a longstanding tradition for the brand on results day.
Chiquito allowed students to enjoy a free main meal when purchasing another adult main meal. This "buy one, get one free" style offer encouraged sharing and was perfect for celebrating with friends or family.
Bill’s provided a free dessert when ordering a main meal. Students could indulge in treats like a triple chocolate brownie or mini cinnamon donuts by showing their A Level results and student ID.
Wildwood offered a free starter or dessert plus a Coke Zero with the purchase of a main meal, providing a casual and budget-friendly celebration option.
Banana Tree featured Pan-Asian flavours with a free pad thai (chicken or tofu) when buying a starter and a drink. To access this, students needed to sign up online for a voucher and then present their results.
Pizza Express gave a complimentary portion of iconic Dough Balls with the purchase of a main course. Claiming required presenting A Level results alongside a valid UNiDAYS code, and this could be combined with Pizza Express's standard 25% student discount for added value.
The Ivy Collection elevated the celebration with a complimentary glass of The Ivy Champagne and a special celebratory menu when dining in, though this likely required the purchase of a main meal or more to qualify for the complimentary items.
TGI Fridays offered a free meal when purchasing one other main meal, making it ideal for pairs or groups.
Bella Italia provided a free starter and dessert when ordering a main dish. Additionally, the chain offered a 30% student discount from Sundays to Thursdays year-round, including results day.
Doughnation allowed customers to get a free dessert when buying a pizza, though specific details on the purchase requirement were limited.
Discounts and Other Promotions
Not all offers were entirely free; some provided percentage discounts or alternative perks. Wagamama, for the first time in 2018, offered 25% off the entire bill. This required signing up to their Soul Club loyalty programme and showing A Level results. It was a substantial discount for those dining in.
Showcase Cinemas provided a free small ICEE drink with the purchase of a film ticket, upon showing results. This was a non-food option for students wanting to celebrate with entertainment.
How to Claim and Prepare for Results Day Freebies
To maximise the chances of successfully claiming these offers, students should follow several practical steps based on the source material.
First, follow restaurants on social media for last-minute announcements or changes, as offers are often revealed close to results day.
Second, always carry necessary documents: the A Level results slip, student ID, and proof of age (especially for alcoholic drinks). Verification is key to eligibility.
Third, download apps or join loyalty programmes in advance. Some deals, like Wagamama's 25% off, require membership in schemes such as Soul Club. Others might need app downloads or UNiDAYS verification.
Finally, confirm with the restaurant before visiting, particularly for dine-in versus takeaway options, as many offers exclude third-party delivery services. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable celebration, regardless of results.
Conclusion
A Level results day 2018 offered a range of freebies and discounts from UK restaurants, from no-purchase-required burgers and pizzas to meal-deal perks and discounts. These promotions provided students with accessible ways to celebrate, emphasising the importance of carrying results slips and ID, and preparing in advance by joining loyalty programmes. While offers varied by location and requirements, they underscored a supportive gesture from brands towards students on a pivotal day.