GCSE results day | What to do next
GCSE results day is set for Thursday, August 22nd. The results will be released to schools on Wednesday, August 21st, and made available to all students the following day.
From this point, you will need to make decisions about your next steps, whether this means confirming your A-level choices, appealing grades, retaking certain subjects or changing your plans for Sixth Form.
The GCSE Grading System
It helps to know that the A to E grading system that most parents are familiar with was changed to the by-number system in England in 2020. The new grading system is equivalent to:
1. Grades A and A* now equal a 9, 8 and 7
2. Grades B and C now equal 6, 5 and 4 (standard pass)
3. Grades D, E, F and G now equal a 3, 2 and 1
4. Grade U now equals a U
Though confusingly how GCSEs are awarded differs by the country you live in:
In England, GCSEs are 9 to 1, where nine is the highest, and 4 is a pass.
In Wales, GCSEs are A * to G, where A * is the highest, and A, B, and C are good passes.
In Northern Ireland, both systems (numbers and letter grades) are used to grade GCSEs.
What were the GCSE grade results in 2023?
In 2023, top grades were 25 percent lower than the peak of 30 percent in 2021, when teacher-assessed grades were awarded due to the pandemic.
However, the proportion of top grades is now similar to pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Overall, 184,000 fewer 9, 8, and 7 grades were awarded in 2023 despite an increase in entries of more than 171,000.
22.4 percent of grades issued were between 9 and 7, down from 27 percent in 2022, and 500 students in England received grade 9 in all subjects.
What are the entry requirements for A-levels?
Entry requirements for school and college sixth forms vary. Some want four to five grade 4 - 5s, with 6 - 7s in the subjects you want to study (sometimes higher). Other selective Sixth Forms ask for at least six GCSEs at seven or above.
Your GCSE results indicate to Sixth Forms and colleges how well you could do at A-level, which is why schools and colleges ask for specific grades for entry.
What if I don't get the GCSE grade I need?
If you don't get the grade you need on the 22nd August don't panic.
Talk to your teachers and see if you can still study the course, if not, ask them for advice on your best course of action.
What can I study at Sixth Form with my results?
Post GCSE, you can study:
GCSE and Level 2 BTECs
This is an option if you don't pass enough of your exams in Year 11 to progress to Level 3 courses.
A Levels: This is good for those expecting to gain a minimum of six 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English and Maths. It is also good for those who want to go to university to study academic rather than vocational or practical subjects.
Level 3 CTECs/BTECs
These are Level 3 vocational qualifications. You can enter university with these qualifications, and most universities are happy to accept them. They are ideal preparation for more practical degree courses. However, if you're aiming for Russell Group universities, bear in mind they usually prefer A Levels.
T Levels
T Levels are new two-year courses taken after GCSEs, broadly equivalent to 3 A Levels. These prepare students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or related technical study through further or higher education.
They offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours—approximately 45 days.
What if I don't pass Maths and English?
For Maths and English, re-sitting is compulsory if you haven't achieved a pass (grade 4). You must continue studying these subjects until you pass or turn 18.
\Most Sixth Forms and colleges allow you to do this alongside A-levels. If you're going on an apprenticeship, studying Maths and English will be part of your programme.
If you got a grade 2 or below, you can take a functional skills qualification instead of GCSE. Functional skills maths qualifications are equivalent to GCSE maths grades four and above and are designed to help you develop the maths skills needed for everyday life and work.
What can you do if you are unhappy with your GCSE results?
If on results day you are unhappy with your results, talk to your school or college before you do anything.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, your school can contact the exam board on your behalf and ask for your marks to be reviewed.
In Scotland, you can appeal directly to the SQA for free.
You can also re-sit any GCSE in 2025. GCSE Maths and English exams also take place in November 2024.