Following the publication of results from the summer 2024 GCSE examination series, we reviewed trends in subject entries and results. This document covers the core subjects of Maths, English language, and English Literature:

Firstly, the trend in subject entries since 2021 is shown in the figure below:

As Maths and English Language are core subjects, the majority of students are required to take GCSE’s in them and the plot largely reflects the national birthrate trend. This number is supplemented by the number of students resitting these subjects as passing these subjects is a national requirement for FE study.

Changing pass rates:

The table below shows is how the proportion of awarded grades has changed since 2023. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exams, results from 2020 to 2022 are not comparable. 2023 saw the proportion of passing grades awarded return to close to the level seen in 2019:

Subject Grade 7 or higher awarded, 2023 (%) Grade 7 or higher awarded, 2024 (%) Grade 4 or higher awarded, 2023 (%) Grade 4 or higher awarded, 2024 (%)
English Literature 21.0 20.4 74.3 74.0
Mathematics 17.5 16.9 61.1 59.5
English Language 16.3 15.7 64.7 61.9

Data used in this report sourced from the Joint Council for Qualifications- https://www.jcq.org.uk/