GCSE Pass Rates Decline in 2024

The GCSE pass rate in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has declined for the third consecutive year, with 67.6% of students achieving grades 4/C and above, down from 68.2% in 2023. Notably, only 21.8% of entries received top grades (7/A or above), a slight decrease from last year but still higher than pre-pandemic levels. In Northern Ireland, 31.7% of students achieved grade A/7 or above, a decrease from 34.5% in 2023. Wales reported a drop in A* to A grades to 19.2%, while the overall pass rate for grades A*-G fell to 96.6%. Exam regulators aimed to revert to pre-pandemic grading standards, resulting in these lower rates after previous grade inflation due to COVID-19. Despite the decline, the results reflect students' hard work and commitment in a challenging academic environment.