New GCSE grades explained: How the 2017 results system works
Here's our guide to the new maths and English GCSE grades featuring in results day for the first time.
For many teenagers, the long wait to find out how they have got on in their GCSE exams is almost over.
This year GSCE results are out today, and in some subjects a new grading system is being used for the first time.
The change is part of Department for Education plans to make GCSE qualifications more demanding in a bid to ensure pupils leave school better prepared for work or further study.
Here's our guide to the new grading scale.
What do the new GCSE grades mean?
Year 11s are the first students to be affected by the new GCSE system, which was first taught in classes in 2015.
In most subjects, students will receive their grades in the usual A*-G format.
But three subjects - maths, English language and English literature - will be graded on a scale between 9 and 1 instead.
A 9 is the top grade, while 1 is the lowest pass possible, with an outright fail still graded as a U.
However, each number does not directly correlate with a letter under the old system.
The top two marks of A* and A are broadly equivalent to a new grade of 7,8 or 9, while pass marks of B and C have been replaced by grades 4,5 and 6.
At the lower end of the scale, the grades D, E, F and G will be graded 1, 2 or 3.
In general, a pupil who would have got a C or above in last year’s exams would be expected to get a 4 or better this year.
Why are the grades changing?
The DfE says its new GCSEs are designed to match the standards set by the strongest performing education systems in the world.
The new 1-9 scale has been brought in to better differentiate between the highest performing pupils and distinguish clearly between the new and old exams.
Although only maths and the two English qualifications will be graded in the new way this year, other subjects will change to the same format in 2018 and 2019.
Between 2017 and 2019, GCSE exam certificates will have a combination of number and letter grades. By 2020, exam certificates will contain only number grades.
How will schools be measured under the new system?
The DfE recognises grade 5 and above as a ‘strong pass’. This will be one of the headline measures of school performance.
The main measure for school performance is known as 'Progress 8', which gives schools credit for pupils’ progress across all grades.
What does it mean for future employment or study?
Employers, universities and colleges will continue to set the GCSE grades they require for employment or further study.
The DfE says that if a grade C is their current minimum requirement, then the nearest equivalent is grade 4.
A* to G grades will remain valid for future employment or study.
Are A-level grades changing as well?
It is only the grading scale for GCSEs that are changing - the grading scales for AS (A to E) and A levels (A* to E) are not changing.
AS and A levels have already been reformed, but unlike GCSE the standard has not changed so there is no need to change the grading scale.
What can I do after I receive my GCSE results?
A range of options are available once the results are out.
To search career options, or to speak to a National Careers Service adviser call 0800 100 900.
Young people searching for an apprenticeship should visit: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
According to The Student Room advice website, the best thing to do if you have not got the grades you need in some subjects is to contact the college or sixth form you applied to.
If you do need to improve your grades to complete a course, the next available resits for English and Maths will be in November 2017.
If you think there may have been an error in the marking of your exam, you could also consider applying for a review of the marks.
The Government view
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “This summer, pupils have taken exams in the new and reformed GCSEs in English and maths.
"This is the culmination of a six year process of curriculum and qualifications reform, which has involved wide consultation with teachers, schools and universities.
"The new GCSEs are more rigorous so that young people can gain the knowledge and understanding they need to succeed in the future and compete in an increasingly global workplace.
“Pupils collecting their maths and English GCSE results in August will see them graded from 9 to 1, rather than A*-G.
"A new grading system was needed to distinguish between the old and the new reformed GCSEs. The new grading system also provides stretch for the highest performers by showing greater distinction between the top marks.”
