New GCSE's & Grading

You may be aware that the GCSE qualifications studied by students have undergone a period of reform. New (Reformed) 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, Design & Technology and Child Development were introduced in 2017. Reformed GCSEs are graded 9-1. All subjects now delivered, unless they are a vocational qualification (such as Child Development), are using the new grading system.

Statements such as "more rigorous" and "harder" have been used to describe the reformed 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 were gcse's reformed?

Firstly, it was to provide differentiation between higher-achieving students, there are now six grades (4-9) where there used to be four (A*-C). Secondly, it was about raising national standards. Ministers believed 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 believed that this would bring England’s exam benchmark up to the standards of the world’s leading economies. So, 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 no longer tiered and is now 100% examination based.

Grade Comparisons

The table and figures below show comparisons but should be used with caution. The reformed 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.