GCSE results see drop in pass rate

The GCSE pass rate has fallen, with 67.4% of all grades in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland at 4 or C and above

Despite the drop, regulator Ofqual said this year’s GCSE results demonstrate continued stability, with overall outcomes showing only minimal variation from previous years that fall within the boundaries of natural year-on-year fluctuations.

GCSE English and maths outcomes are stable for 16-year-olds and for those resitting post-16, with a noticeable increase in the number of post-16 students taking resits this summer, the regulator said.

Here are the results at a glance:

Overall GCSE results are similar to 2024. Outcomes at grade 7 and above are 21.8% compared with 21.6% in 2024, and outcomes at grade 4 and above are 67.1% compared with 67.4% in 2024. 
5,661,970 GCSE results were issued in 133 different qualifications.
There were more entries from post-16 students this summer for GCSE English language and maths. However, within both the 16-year-old and post-16 groups, results are stable.
Fewer students sat GCSE biology, chemistry, and physic,s but there was an increase in entries for combined science. There was also a decline in entries for history compared with 2024, but a small increase in geography.
Overall, 4.1% (14,920) of the 368,065 vocational and technical qualification grades issued are at the top grade available. Of those, 355,590 were Technical Awards and 12,475 were Technical Certificates.
The most widely taken vocational and technical subjects were Technical Awards in Leisure, Travel and Tourism, and Health, Public Services, and Care.
The geographical region with the highest percentage of GCSE grade 7s and above was London, and the north-east had the fewest.
Boys’ results improved slightly while girls’ results fell marginally.

Ofqual Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham said that students collecting their results today are well-prepared to seize the opportunities of tomorrow, whether in further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

“Today’s GCSE and vocational qualification results represent each student’s passport to opportunity,” he said.

“By ensuring that rigorous standards have been maintained year on year, these qualifications retain their value and meaning. Schools, colleges, and employers can trust these results when making decisions that will shape these young people’s futures, while students can be confident that their achievements will open doors to educational and career opportunities.”