The latest General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results reveal a slight decline in top grades across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while still surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This summer marks the first year since the COVID-19 outbreak that GCSE grading has been restored to pre-pandemic standards across all three nations.
The proportion of GCSE entries awarded grade 7 or above (equivalent to an A grade in the former system) decreased marginally to 21.8% this year, compared to 22% in 2023. However, this figure remains higher than the 20.8% recorded in 2019, despite efforts to address pandemic-era grade inflation.
Interestingly, England saw a slight increase in top grades, rising to 21.65% from 21.61% in 2023. With a 4.7% increase in candidates, this resulted in nearly 58,000 more top grade awards in England. Conversely, Wales and Northern Ireland experienced declines, with top grades falling to 19.2% and 31% respectively.
Sir Ian Bauckham, head of the English exams regulator Ofqual, suggested that these results could indicate a new normal, stating:
"Consistent, rigorous standards of grading are producing consistent results. It is evidence that we have settled back into a pattern of dependable and trustworthy results."
Regional disparities continue to be a concern, with London pulling further ahead. In the capital, 28.5% of GCSE entries received top grades, significantly outperforming regions like the North West (18.6%) and North East (17.8%).
Private and grammar schools extended their lead this year, with 48.4% of private school entries and 60.3% of grammar school entries achieving grade 7 or above in England. This increase occurred while other school types saw declines in top grades.
Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, expressed concern about the widening attainment gap, stating that the results are likely to show "unacceptable, entrenched regional disparities."
It's worth noting that GCSEs, introduced in 1988, have undergone significant changes over the years. The grading system in England shifted from letters (A*-G) to numbers (9-1) in 2017, while Wales and Northern Ireland retain the letter-based system. Typically, students take GCSEs at age 16, studying over two or three years, with English, Mathematics, and Science being compulsory subjects in most schools.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted GCSE assessments, leading to exam cancellations in 2020 and 2021. This year's cohort, who were in Year 7 when schools closed due to the pandemic, have faced unique challenges throughout their secondary education.
Despite the slight overall decrease in top grades, approximately 50,000 more exam papers received top grades across all three nations this summer. The share of GCSE entries awarded a standard pass (grade 4/C or above) fell to 67.6%, down from 68.2% in 2023.
As students receive their results, they now have various options available, including A levels, T Levels, and apprenticeships. These GCSE results will play a crucial role in shaping their future educational and career paths, as many universities and employers consider GCSE grades in their selection criteria.