Employers need to be aware of the changes to the grading of GCSE examinations. Over the next three years, subjects will gradually change from letters (currently A* to G) to numbers (9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest). A fail with still be shown as a U.
The change will start with the August 2017 results for English Language, English Literature and Maths and other results will still use the current grades. For students receiving results in August 2018, a further 20 subjects will adopt the new numerical grading system with a few subjects still using the current grades. The final few subjects will complete the transition by 2020.
GraduateCombined Science is the only double award GCSE, therefore if a student receives a 4-4 grade, this will be the equivalent of two GCSE’s at grade C under the current grading system. If however, they receive a 4-3 grade this will be the equivalent of one GCSE at grade C.
The change has been designed to make the top grades harder to achieve and even more desirable.
The table below provides a comparison of how the new grades compare to the current system.
| New Grading Structure | Current Grading Structure |
| 9 8 7 | A* A |
| 6 5 4 | B C |
| 3 2 1 | D E F G |
| U | U |
Currently employers, particularly for apprenticeships require trainees to have 5 GSCE’s graded A* to C including Maths and English. For 2017 this will change to grade 4 or higher (the grade 5 is considered a high C or a low B) for Maths and English and C or above for other subjects.
The grade 9 is already being referred to as an A** and it is expected that only 3% of students will achieve this.
Employers should consider training staff that are involved in the recruitment process and managers that are involved in promoting and developing employees to their full potential.
It should be noted that the above changes only apply to pupils studying in England.
If you would like to know more details, you can find the official Ofqual release here.
July 26th, 2017
