- Grades not yet at pre-pandemic level
- NAHT Press Release makes fundamental mistakes
- Welsh Government says grades are on track
GCSE grades in Wales fell back this year.
The change came as Qualifications Wales ended the grade support for students it used during the Covid pandemic.
Of more concern is that GCSE results for A* to C grades have not recovered to their pre-pandemic level, whereas they have for Welsh A-levels.
The Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, Tom Giffard MS, congratulated learners and teachers but added: “It is worrying that unlike the A-Level results last week, GCSE results are down compared to pre-pandemic figures. The Welsh Government must come forward with a plan to address this drop.”
The drop is, however, marginal.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM WG EDUCATION MINISTER
There were 62.2% grades at A* to C, compared to 62.8% in 2019 – and this compares to 64.9% last year.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, congratulated learners who received their GCSE, Welsh Baccalaureate and Vocational Qualification results on Thursday (Aug 22).
Speaking at Pencoed Comprehensive School, Bridgend, Ms Neagle said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to everyone who is receiving their results today. You will have no doubt been impacted by the pandemic. However, receiving your results today is a big milestone. You should all be very proud of the hard work, dedication, and resilience you have shown.
“This year is our final step back towards pre-pandemic exam arrangements, and today’s results are where we expected them to be, with outcomes similar to 2019.
“I would also like to thank our teachers and education workforce, who have worked incredibly hard to support our learners to succeed.
“I hope you got the grades you wanted, but remember that you have many different choices for your next step in learning or employment.
“Get in touch with Careers Wales, your school or local college for support.
“Pob lwc, and best wishes for the future!”
NOT ONLY ABOUT STAYING IN EDUCATION
Across Wales, the percentage of pupils leaving Year 11 and entering the labour market was 9.0%, the highest since 2008.
The greatest proportion of the cohort, 86.7%, continued in full-time education (FTE); however, this is the lowest percentage since 2013, showing a bigger move to alternate paths.
A higher proportion of females (3.2 percentage points more than males) chose to remain in school.
Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive of Careers Wales: “Congratulations to all those who have received their GCSE results today.
“Whether you got the results you were hoping for or not, it’s important to remember that there are lots of exciting options available for you.
“As always, we’re here to help anyone who might need support after getting their results this summer.
“We can offer expert advice and guidance to help young people access routes they might not have previously considered to achieve their goals.
“Young people have a lot on their minds, especially at this time of year, and we know that some people can become overwhelmed with making choices about their future careers or might not know the options available to them.
“There is the right path out there for everyone, and our Working Wales careers advisers are here to help them take the first steps towards finding that.”
CARE NEEDED WITH COMPARISONS
Eithne Hughes, Director of (ASCL) Cymru, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their results today. Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved.
“These results are the culmination of a great deal of hard work, and many will now continue to study across a range of settings. We also pay tribute to the teachers and leaders who have tirelessly supported students through the examination process.
“Nationally, outcomes are below those from 2023. This is due to the return to pre-pandemic grading standards, and we would advise against comparisons with previous years.
“This cohort has shown exceptional resilience during their education, having at times faced serious disruption. We wish them every success for the future.
“Looking further ahead, we need to do much more to support our schools and colleges and the teachers and leaders carrying out such vital work. Funding and staff shortages, alongside growing issues such as behaviour and attendance, have made circumstances hugely difficult. This needs to be addressed through greater government investment as a matter of urgency.”
Sarah Austin, Director of www.britishbusinessexcellenceawards.co.uk, commented: “It’s essential to recognise that grades are not the sole determinant of success. While they can open doors, they don’t define future achievements.
“Many successful individuals have thrived despite not having top grades. True success often stems from qualities like dedication, resilience and perseverance, traits that go beyond academic performance.
“Grades offer a snapshot of performance at a particular time but don’t capture a person’s full potential or worth. It’s the combination of hard work, adaptability, and personal attributes that truly shapes an individual’s future.”
Chris Parry, president of the school leaders’ union NAHT Cymru, said: “We warmly congratulate students as they receive their results across a wide range of qualifications. Today’s results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of students and the school and college staff who have supported them.”
PANDEMIC AFTER-EFFECTS CONTINUE TO AFFECT SCHOOLS
Nicola Fitzpatrick, Interim Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE, Welsh Baccalaureate and other Level 2 qualification results today. Their hard work and efforts, supported by their parents, carers and educators, should be thoroughly commended.
“The system in Wales needs to be more responsive to the impact of Covid. It acts as if the pandemic has had no after-effects. In fact, the damage it has done to students’ learning and well-being is enduring.
“It is really unhelpful to compare results from one year to the next. Different methods of assessment have been used, different levels of pandemic disruption have been experienced, and Qualifications Wales has implemented different approaches to grading from one year to the next.
“For young people, it is really important to know that today isn’t the rest of your life. If you didn’t get the results you want, there are plenty of options and choices.
“As Wales reforms the GCSE qualifications to fit the curriculum and moves towards a made-in-Wales vocational offer (VCSEs), we need to ensure that these qualifications use a range of assessment methods that capture what young people can do.
“We also need to ensure that we don’t increase the workload of teachers, but trust their judgement, without adding too much unnecessary bureaucracy.”
