New GCSE's & Grading

You may be aware that the GCSE qualifications studied by students have undergone a period of reform. New GCSEs in English and Mathematics were introduced in 2015, the next group of subjects were taught for the first time in 2016. The remainder of subjects such as Business and Design & Technology were introduced in 2017. New GCSEs are graded 9-1. All subjects now delivered, unless they are a Technical Award, are using the new grading system.

Statements such as "more rigorous" and "harder" have been used to describe the new GCSEs. In some subject areas the content requirements have increased too. In many curriculum areas the weightings on examination components have also changed; in many cases the theory element has increased, whilst a practical element may have decreased in weighting. It is difficult to match old grades to the new numbers, as the qualifications are so different and how they are assigned has changed.

Why have GCSE’s changed?

Firstly, it is to provide differentiation between higher-achieving students, there are now six grades (4-9) where there used to be four (A*-C). Secondly, it is about raising national standards. Ministers believe that a C was too easy to achieve. As such the new grade 5 has become the benchmark grade. Only the top third of students who would have achieved a grade C will achieve a grade 5. Ministers believe that this will bring England’s exam benchmark up to the standards of the world’s leading economies. How does this look statistically? How does this compare with the old grading system?

• Broadly the same proportion of students will achieve grade 4 and above as those who previously achieved grade C and above

• Broadly the same proportion of students will achieve grade 7 and above as those who previously achieved grade A and above

• Only the top 20% of those who get grade 7 or above will get grade 9

• The new maths GCSE is tiered, with grades 4 and 5 available through both tiers.

• English is not tiered and is now 100% examination based.

Grade Comparisons

The table and figures below show comparisons but should be used with caution. The new GCSE is harder with different and increased content, so it is difficult to make direct comparisons.

New benchmarks

Previously students have needed 5 A*- Cs including English & Maths to access most A level courses, this of course varies by institution. However colleges have been encouraged to set entry requirements for the particular course, which could be 5 or higher as illustrated in the figures below. This is to ensure that students achieve their potential, rather than accepting the minimum requirement.