Cardiff has released its overall GCSE grades from maintained schools in the city, surpassing the Welsh average at the gold standard A*-C grades. More than one in four results achieved the top grades of A*-A. However, the overall pass rate for Cardiff is slightly lower than the Wales average. This comes after Cardiff performed better than the Wales average in A-level grades the previous week.
The 2024 GCSE exams were the first to be held under normal pre-Covid conditions, unlike the disruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Results across Wales show higher outcomes compared to 2019 but lower than the enhanced measures taken in 2023 to help students cope with the effects of Covid disruptions, as indicated by Cardiff Council.
Deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry, commended Cardiff pupils on their achievements, highlighting their resilience and hard work throughout the challenges faced. She praised the schools, teachers, and staff for their dedication in preparing students for their futures.
In Cardiff, the percentage of A*-A grades stood at 26%, exceeding the Wales figure of 19.2%. The A*-C grades in Cardiff were at 67.4%, compared to 62.2% in Wales, while the A*-G grades were at 96.1%, slightly lower than the 96.6% across Wales.
Cllr Merry expressed her pride in the city’s performance, particularly noting the significant lead in A*-A grades above the Welsh average. She wished the students success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, whether pursuing university, employment, or training.
The results mark a significant achievement for Cardiff’s students, showcasing their dedication and the support provided by the educational institutions in the city. The council is optimistic about the continued progress in academic performance and the bright future ahead for Cardiff’s young learners.