Parents Should Know THIS Ahead Of GCSE And A-Level Results Day 2023

When is GCSE And A-Level Results Day?

A-Level Results Day in the UK is on Thursday 17th August 2023, whereas GCSE Results Day is on Thursday 24th August 2023.

It is also important to note that BTEC and T-Level results are also released on Thursday 17th August 2023.

How Important Are My Child’s GCSE And A-Level Results?

The most important tests that pupils take before attending college or university are GCSEs and A-Levels. The outcomes have a significant impact on their future.

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher are needed for many higher education programmes, and some even need five Grade 6’s (A or A*). The only reliable indicator institutions have of students’ skills is how well they perform on their GCSE and A-Level exams. So these exams may very well be the most crucial tests of all, especially with regard to higher education and career. 

But the days of A* to G grades are over, we now have a new system in place.

How Do I Understand My Child’s Results?

The GCSE Grading System in 2023 is broken down into grade brackets (9-1), here is the structure of these brackets, with 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest:

Grade 9 – The top mark is even higher than the old A*

Grade 8 – Below an A* but above an A

Grade 7 – Marginally below an A but only just

Grade 6 – Marginally better than a B

Grade 5 – Below a B but above a C. Also known as ‘strong pass’ 

Grade 4 – Equivalent of a C. Also known as ‘standard pass’

Grade 3 – Below a D but above an E

Grade 2 – Between an E and an F

Grade 1 – Between an F and a G

Ungraded – The lowest mark possible. As in the old system, a U denotes a fail.

The A-Level grading system operates as follows (%):

  • A* 90-100
  • A 80-89
  • B 70-79
  • C 60-69
  • D 50-59
  • E 40-49
  • U (Unclassified)

For those who are looking for detailed guidance on T-Level Grading, click here.

And for those who seek information regarding BTEC Grading, click here.

Is There A Difference Between A GCSE ‘Grade 4’ And ‘C’?

The 9-1 grading system was designed to better differentiate A* scores from A’s. Because of this, an A* now equivalent Grade 9, is considered a better qualification now compared to what it was previously as the bracket is defined as ‘better than a old A*’.

A ‘Grade 4’ is understood as a ‘standard pass’ therefore equalling a typical C grade. A Grade 5 is a good example that shows how the new marginal brackets function, boasting a slightly higher score that is not quite a B level but higher than a C. The larger number of grade brackets represent the margins between the established core scores, accurately defining the total marks received. 

This scale has more advanced grades than the previous A* to G scale did, allowing companies, colleges, and universities, as well as sixth forms, to more easily discern between pupils of various academic levels.

The subjects that will be graded with this format are:

  •     Ancient languages (Latin etc.)
  •     Art & Design
  •     Biology
  •     Chemistry
  •     Citizenship Studies
  •     Combined Science (Double Award)
  •     Computer Science
  •     Dance
  •     Drama
  •     Food Preparation & Nutrition
  •     Geography
  •     History
  •     Modern Foreign Language Studies (German, French, Spanish)
  •     Music
  •     Physics
  •     Physical Education
  •     Religious Studies

What If My Child Does Not Receive Their Desired Grades?

If they didn’t perform as well as they had intended, remain calm and show encouragement rather than becoming angry or frustrated. The day of the exam results is a great opportunity to pause and discuss your child’s possibilities for the future.

There may be an option to retake the qualification, or begin a chosen sixth form subject without sitting a retake.

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UCAS Clearing Process – Almost 67,000 students, including 34,875 18-year-olds, earned university places through clearing last year.

This process is helpful for those who:

  • Fail to meet the grades required for their conditional offer
  • Fail to obtain any offers they want to accept
  • They opt to apply to universities after June 30th
  • Receive higher scores than anticipated and want to transfer to another university

Clearing is open now and closes in October.

Retake unsuccessful subjects – if you are confident in giving the exams another go, give it a shot. You may exceed your own expectations.

If you’re not sure about retaking exams, explore the next option.

Speak with the college/university of their choice – If they fall short of the entry criteria, will they still be accepted? It is worth asking as the institution could propose an agreement, as long as the student agrees with completing additional tasks.

Explore an apprenticeship – the experience gained in the workplace while creating a portfolio of work is extremely valuable. Skills can be obtained in an apprenticeship that might not be touched upon in higher education.

Partake in similar sixth form studies somewhere different without having to retake.

Who do I contact if I require help on A-Level And GCSE Results Day?

The day of exam results can be stressful for both you and your child. If results do not meet your expectations, ensure that you know who to turn to for assistance and support at your child’s school.

On the day of results, you can also call the Exam Results Helpline at 0800 100 900 to get free support from experienced career advisors from 9am on Results Day.

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Good luck to everyone receiving their results this month, we wish you great success!

Remember – everyone’s story is different, it is time to write your next chapter…

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