Hundreds of thousands of students across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales are awaiting their GCSE results, which are scheduled for release on Thursday, August 20, starting at 08:00 BST.
The release marks the culmination of exams for many students, and provides details on the next steps for those who are unhappy with their grades or wish to improve them through resits.
Understanding GCSE Grading
This year's GCSEs utilize a numerical grading system, with 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest. This system has replaced the previous letter grades (A* to G). For instance, under the old system, A* and A grades now correspond to numerical grades 9, 8, or 7. Old B and C grades are now equivalent to 6, a strong pass at 5, or a standard pass at 4. The lower grades D, E, F, and G have been replaced by 3, 2, and 1, while a U grade remains recorded as U.
Appealing Results
Students who are dissatisfied with their GCSE results have the option to appeal. The process typically involves the school requesting a review of the marking. Schools will usually seek a priority, or expedited, review if they believe there has been a marking error.
Resitting Exams
For students looking to improve their grades, resits are also an option. Further details on how to arrange resits will be made available, providing a pathway for students to achieve their desired academic outcomes.