BROMSGROVE students getting their GCSE results this summer will be graded under the new nine to one system for English Language, English Literature and Maths.
The new grading, according to the Department of Education (DofE), aims to make the exams “more rigorous…to ensure young people have the knowledge and skills they need for work and further study in 21st Century Britain.”
The first exams using the new grading for most other GCSE subjects will take place in 2018/19.
It says they should also make a clearer distinction between the highest performing pupils and distinguish clearly between the new and old exams.
In the first few years of operation exam certificates will carry both the letter grade and the new number grade but by 2020 will have only the number.
Although they do not directly compare, under the new system a nine will roughly equal an A*; an eight a strong A; a seven a standard A; six a B; five a strong C; four a standard C.
All these will be pass mark with anything lower a fail.
Crucially, those failing to get a four in English and maths will have to continue to study these subjects in their post 16 education.
However there will be no re-take requirement for other subjects.
The DofE says: “Employers, universities and colleges will continue to set the GCSE grades they require for employment or further study.
“We are saying to them that if a grade C is their current minimum requirement, then the nearest equivalent is grade 4. A* to G grades will remain valid for future employment or study.”
School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said: “The new GCSEs are more rigorous so that young people can gain the knowledge and understanding they need to succeed in the future and compete in an increasingly global workplace.
“A new grading system was needed to distinguish between the old and the new reformed GCSEs. The new grading system also provides stretch for the highest performers by showing greater distinction between the top marks.”
The A Level results are out on Thursday, August 17 with GCSEs, including the new grades, released on Thursday, August 24.
