In England, GCSEs are graded 9-1, with 9 being the highest grade and 1 the lowest. Grades 9-4 are passing grades and result in attaining a level 2 qualification, opening the door to most level 3 qualifications and further study. Grades 1-3 are level 1 qualifications. Should a young person not achieve grade 4 or above in English or maths by age 16, the Government provides funding for them to work towards reaching level 2 by the time they complete compulsory education at 18.
Exam boards develop and award GCSEs based on the subject content set out by the Government. In England there are four exam boards; AQA, OCR, Pearson, and WJEC Eduqas.
The subjects offered and the combinations possible differ by school, so it’s best to speak to your child’s school to find out what options are available to them.
Key facts
- Three compulsory subjects; English, maths and science, with many other subjects available
- Grades 9-4 = level 2 qualification
- Grades 1-3 = level 1 qualification
Potential next steps
