GCSE Results Guide for England, Summer 2023

Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: GCSE Results Return to Pre-Pandemic Grading in England

In a reassuring turn of events, students receiving their GCSE results in England can celebrate as grading returns to pre-pandemic levels. The education system has recognized the disruptions these students faced during the pandemic and has implemented grading protection measures to ensure their achievements are recognized.

A two-year, two-step plan has been put in place to gradually return to normal grading arrangements after the challenging period brought on by the pandemic. As part of this plan, students sitting GCSE exams were provided with additional support, including formulae and equation sheets for certain subjects. They were also not tested on unfamiliar vocabulary.

Over half a million students across the country have collected their GCSE results, showcasing their hard work and resilience over the past two years. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, this year’s grades are similar to those in 2019, the year before the pandemic struck.

Notably, there has been a slight increase in high grades, with grade 7 and above outcomes rising from 20.6% in 2019 to 21.6% in 2023. Additionally, grade 4 and above outcomes also saw a small increase, from 67.0% in 2019 to 67.8% in 2023.

Changes have been made to align the grading standards for French and German with those of Spanish. This adjustment ensures fairness and consistency across different language subjects.

To provide transparency and insight into the results, Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, has published a summary of the GCSE results, along with infographics and interactive visualizations.

Variation in the results of different educational centers compared to 2019 has been observed. This variation reflects factors such as changes in student cohorts, teaching approaches, and qualifications offered. To assess any changes in gaps between results for different student groups, equalities analyses will be conducted.

Grade boundaries have been set based on a careful evaluation of qualitative and quantitative evidence. The grading process has been designed with built-in protection to account for the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Exam boards have also made upward adjustments in GCSE French and German grades at grades 9, 7, and 4 to align them with Spanish grading standards. The determination to maintain fairness and consistency across subjects is evident.

A review after the summer will gauge the effectiveness of the current adjustments, and further adjustments may be considered in future series based on the findings. This commitment to continual improvement ensures that the grading system remains fair and reflective of students’ true abilities.

Overall, the return to pre-pandemic grading levels in GCSE results brings a sense of normalcy and recognition for the hard work and resilience of students during these challenging times.