- Students receive their GCSE results across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Over 6,000 more 16-year-olds achieved a grade 7 and above in maths this year, the largest ever uptick in standards.
- There were 7,965 more Technical Award Level 2 passes compared to last year.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham congratulated students and highlighted increased opportunities, saying: "Whether the next step is sixth form, a college course, an apprenticeship, a T Level, work, or something else entirely, we’re ensuring that there are more opportunities than ever to choose your own path to get on in life."
- Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: "More of you are hitting top grades in maths, and technical pass rates are climbing in every region. That’s proof there is no wrong door, only different routes that suit everyone’s individual ambition."
- From next year, students will be able to study V Levels alongside expanded T Levels and fully-funded apprenticeships for the under-25s, with new pathways for 14-year-olds the year after.
- Upcoming changes will introduce preparatory level 1 qualifications and revised performance measures to stop the "endless treadmill of unnecessary resits", as 17–19-year-old attainment fell in English (to 18.8%) and maths (to 13.6%).
- The gender gap is narrowing, with a reduction of 0.2 ppts at both grade 4+ and grade 7+, while support is targeted through Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence teams, 93 new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, and Mission North East and Mission Coastal.
Over 6,000 more 16-year-olds achieved a grade 7 and above in maths this year, marking the largest increase ever, according to recent GCSE results.12
Technical Award Level 2 passes also saw a significant rise, with 7,965 more certifications compared to last year, indicating a positive trend in foundational skills among students.
The North West and Yorkshire and Humber led the way in Technical Award take-up, with 55,230 and 52,480 certifications respectively, and Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the biggest increase with 2,120 more certifications this year.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell expressed her pride, stating, “More of you are hitting top grades in maths, and technical pass rates are climbing in every region.” Prime Minister Andy Burnham congratulated students, emphasizing the importance of diverse pathways for future success.456789
Upcoming changes to the curriculum aim to provide students with essential skills and support, addressing the persistent regional gaps in academic performance.
“It’s targeting support where it’s needed most,” noted Powell, highlighting initiatives like the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence teams and new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs.1314
Despite challenges, the narrowing gender gap in academic performance shows promise, with a reduction of 0.2 percentage points at both grade 4+ and grade 7+.
These results reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and providing students with the opportunities they need to succeed.
“Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Education Secretary Lucy Powell congratulated students, with Powell noting technical pass rates are climbing in every region. From next year, students can study V Levels alongside expanded T Levels and fully-funded apprenticeships, with new pathways for 14-year-olds the year after.”
