GCSE Grades Dip Slightly But Stay Higher Than Before Lockdown

August 22, 2024 TruthUSA

Over the past few years, pupils receiving results on Thursday have had to endure school closures due to government lockdown policies and teacher strikes.

This year, the proportion of top GCSE grades awarded has decreased compared to 2023, but it remains higher than pre-lockdown levels, as shown by results released on Thursday.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, 16-year-olds are receiving their GCSE results this year, marking the return to pre-COVID-19 grading standards for all three nations.

In 2024, 21.8 percent of GCSE entries across the UK achieved top grades—a decrease from 22 percent in 2023, but higher than the 2019 figure of 20.8 percent.

The percentage of entries receiving a “standard pass” has also decreased slightly from 68.2 percent in 2023 to 67.6 percent this year, yet it remains higher than the 2019 level of 67.3 percent.

Chief Executive of the JCQ Margaret Farragher commended students for their hard-earned achievements, stating, “These achievements are hard-earned, and students should feel justly proud to have reached this important milestone in their educational journey.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised pupils for their achievements, acknowledging their resilience and determination in facing challenges such as Raac issues, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, and teacher strikes.

Lockdowns

During the COVID-19 lockdown era, schools were closed, and remote learning became the norm. Assessments were also disrupted, with final results based on teacher assessments rather than exams, resulting in increased top grades in 2020 and 2021 for GCSE and A-level students.

In England, assessments returned to normal in 2023, with Northern Ireland and Wales following suit this summer.

Sir Ian Bauckham, chief regulator of Ofqual, emphasized the consistent and trustworthy grading standards producing reliable results after returning to the pre-lockdown grading system.

Many pupils receiving their GCSE results were in Year 7 when schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Education sector leaders caution that these students have faced challenges related to Raac issues, strikes, and lockdowns over the years.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on students who started school during the lockdown period.

The Nuffield Foundation think tank stated in April that school closures due to lockdowns will significantly harm the educational prospects of children who began school during the COVID-19 period. Teachers have reported increased behavioral and mental health issues in the classroom post-lockdown.

Government figures from March showed a rise in unauthorised school absences in England in 2022/2023, nearly double the pre-pandemic rate.

Regional Disparities

Regional disparities persist in achieving top grades between the north and south of England. London saw the highest proportion of entries awarded grades 7 or above (28.5 percent), while the northeast had the lowest (17.8 percent).

The gap between regions has slightly narrowed to 10.7 points, compared to 10.8 percent in 2023.

Pepe Di’Iaiso, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, highlighted significant regional disparities, emphasizing the need to address gaps in educational outcomes related to prosperity and socioeconomic disadvantage.

Di’Iaiso stressed the importance of supporting schools and colleges, citing challenges such as funding shortages, teacher vacancies, post-pandemic mental health issues, behavioral concerns, and attendance challenges.

GCSE entries awarded 7/A by nation & region. (PA Wire) — GCSE entries awarded 7/A by nation & region. PA Wire

Gender Gap

The lead that girls have over boys in top grades has slightly decreased, with girls receiving 7/A or above at a rate of 24.7 percent, compared to 19 percent for boys.

This is the narrowest margin since 2009, when the gap was also 5.7 percent.

In 2023, girls had a 24.9 percent lead over boys, by comparison.

The most popular subjects were English language, mathematics, and double science. Business studies saw the largest percent increase among subjects with over 100,000 entries.

Scotland, with National 5 qualifications instead of GCSEs, saw a pass rate of 77.2 percent, down from previous years.

Last week, students in England, Scotland, and Wales received their A-level results, with over one-quarter achieving As and A*s.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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