Students in Cumbria open their GCSE results
Young people in Cumbria are receiving their GCSE results after sitting the Government’s tough new courses following the biggest shake-up of the exams for a generation.
Most of the students opening white envelopes this morning received numerical grades for all their subjects as almost all courses have now moved over to a new system.
The two systems are similar but the obvious difference is letters have become numbers and there is a wider range of grades.
This means top performers can now receive a nine for their hard work, which is higher than an A*, but for those getting lower results the bottom grade remains the same.
Harry Sidaway from William Howard school in Brampton told ITV Border what his results meant.
Researcher at Education Datalab, Philip Nye, said the number of pupils achieving straight grade 9s “might go up a little bit because there are more subjects in the 9-1 system, but it is very difficult to say what will happen.”
Under England’s exams overhaul, GCSEs have been toughened up, with less coursework, and exams at the end of the two-year courses, rather than throughout.
The Prime Minister wished students across the country good luck.
If you, or your child, hasn't received the results they wanted, there are a list of help services on hand to give expert advice:
Specialist careers advice for helping young people and their families decide on options following GCSE, A Level and Nationals exam results days - 0808 100 8000
The Mix Provides a confidential helpline, email, webchat and telephone counselling service for young people under 25. Freephone: 0808 808 4994 (daily 13:00-23:00)
Student Mind supports students to look after their mental health. Email: info@studentminds.org.uk