According to an academic, approximately 300,000 fewer top GCSE grades could be awarded this week, causing surprise to students and parents alike. Professor Alan Smithers noted that the regulator Ofqual's decision to revert to pre-pandemic grading would result in similar results to those seen in 2019, prior to the Covid outbreak. The change signifies the end of higher grades obtained through teachers' generous assessments instead of exams.
Record Drop in Top GCSE Grades Expected
Professor Smithers explained that the restoration of the 2019 grade pattern in England would likely lead to a significant decrease in top GCSE grades, compared to previous years. This decline follows the reversal of the profligacy of teacher assessments. Despite the seemingly insignificant changes in percentage, the large number of entries means that around 300,000 top grades will be affected. Students and parents may find it challenging to accept these grades when considering the grades received by older students in the past three years.
Necessary Correction After Inflated Grades
While Professor Smithers acknowledged that the adjustment is necessary, he also highlighted that the emergency reliance on teacher assessment led to an increase of 437,964 top awards, giving some students a falsely optimistic view of their abilities.
Impact on A-Levels and University Entrance
Notably, there were 73,000 fewer top A-level grades awarded after the return to pre-Covid grading. Additionally, the pass rate for students achieving a grade above E decreased from 98.4% in 2022 to 97.3%, the lowest rate since 2008. As a result of their results, approximately 19,000 teenagers have been denied admission to their top two university choices and are now competing for Clearing courses. It is worth noting that 79% of 18-year-olds secured their first-choice degree, an increase from 74% in 2019.
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