GCSE and A-level results to be higher this summer

Examinations watchdog Ofqual has revealed that GCSE and A-level results in England will be higher this summer, with exam boards set to be more lenient.

Ofqual says that the numbers getting good grades will be two per cent higher at A-level and one per cent at GCSE, but will likely be lower than predictions from teachers, which have been deemed as ‘optimistic’. Last summer, 25.5 per cent of candidates achieved an A grade or above at A-level - and this year it will be more like 27.5 per cent.

Normal written examinations were cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, with pupils' results to be based on predicted outcomes. At A-level, predicted grades would have pushed results 12 per cent higher than last year. For GCSE, results would have jumped upwards by 9 percentage points, based on teachers' predictions.

However, the exam regulator says this will be a more generous year, with candidates more likely to be given the benefit of the doubt. While there are likely to be variations in terms of subject and grades, officials believe that overall results will be ‘slightly better’ than the previous year.

Ofqual has also defended the system against suspicions of bias, following the a recent report from the Education Select Committee which warned that some pupils could be discriminated against.

If pupils are not happy with their results this year based on predictions, they will be able to take written exams in the Autumn.