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The number of UCAT test-takers in 2026 was 42,359, which is the highest ever and over 1,000 more than last year. It’s a significant increase (12%) on the number from two years ago, when it was 37,913.
The number of places should remain consistent with the number of places available last year. Therefore, you will be facing a more competitive landscape than ever for your application.
The mean score of 1,918 is up nearly 30 marks on last year’s 1,891. The final mean score for verbal reasoning (602) was exactly the same as last year. Both decision making and quantitative reasoning saw higher mean scores versus last year (from 628 to 640, and from 661 to 675 respectively).
SJT scores were weaker than last year, when 21% test-takers received a Band 1. This year 15% of candidates scored Band 1, though the number of people who received Band 4 was broadly consistent (rising from 10% to 11%).
Just as there was an increase in the average UCAT score, so there was an increase in the percentile thresholds. Last year, to be among the top-scoring applicants (top 20%) you would have needed to score above 2,100; this year you would require a score of 2,140.
This applies throughout the decile rankings, with the median 50% in 2025 scoring 1,880. In 2026, the median score is 1,920.
All in all, this means that to be considered a top performer in the UCAT, you would need to have a slightly higher score this year than last year. You can see all of this year’s deciles in our UCAT Scores guide.
Now that the final UCAT results have been released, it’s important to understand how your UCAT score compares and which decile you are in.
You then need to use this information to select your UCAS choices and make sure you’re applying to Medical Schools where you stand a chance of being shortlisted for interview. If you need detailed guidance, consider a Private Consultation with one of our Medicine admissions specialists.
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