Top GCSE grades in Wales have seen a dip in 2024, following the trend set by A-level results last week. The grades were expected to decrease slightly compared to last year, and indeed, they are lower overall when compared to 2023 and the last year of “normal” exams in 2019. This year, 19.2% of pupils achieved A* or A grades, a drop from 21.7% in 2023 but an improvement from the 18.4% in 2019. The percentage of exams graded A* to C stands at 61.7%, a slight decrease from last year’s 64.5% but very close to the 62.8% achieved in 2019. Qualification Wales, the regulator, had forewarned of lower results this year as they sought to align grades with pre-pandemic levels following perceived grade inflation in recent years.
Overall, the GCSE pass rate at grades A*-G in Wales stands at 96.6% in 2024, slightly lower than 96.9% in 2023 and 97.2% in 2019. Results in important subjects like English and maths have also seen a decrease this year. In Maths, the percentage achieving grades A*-G in 2024 stood at 92.3%, down from 94.3% in 2023 and 2019. English saw a pass rate of 97.9% in 2024 compared to 98.5% in 2023 and 95.4% in 2019. The results for the top grades A*/9 – A/7 remained relatively stable across the three years.
Welsh Baccalaureate and Skills Challenge Certificate results were also announced, with over 24,000 candidates achieving these qualifications. The results by year were structured to reflect the ongoing impact of Covid disruptions on education. Statistics show that GCSE grading in Wales has evolved through the years, with 2024 being the first year exams were sat under normal conditions since 2019. Qualifications Wales confirmed that mechanisms were in place to prevent extreme grade drops in certain subjects; however, they weren’t needed as the overall performance met expectations.
While the grading system for GCSEs in Wales differs from England, efforts are made to align the standards across both systems. Students and schools were prepared for lower results this year as the education system returned to pre-pandemic norms. Congratulations were extended by WJEC, the exam board, to all students for their dedication and hard work in achieving their results. With results reflecting the efforts of students and educators in navigating challenging times, the focus now shifts to supporting students as they transition to further education, training, or employment.
Overall, the 2024 GCSE results showcased a resilience among students and teachers as they adapted to changing circumstances in the education sector. The decrease in top grades was anticipated given the recalibration of the grading system post-pandemic. As students receive their results and prepare for the next chapter in their educational journey, the community celebrates their hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity.