Top Welsh GCSE results fall and pass rates lower than pre-pandemic levels

  • Students chatting to us from Pencoed Comprehensive School

The number of pupils in Wales achieving the top grades (A*-A) has fallen on last year.

Over 58,000 learners in Wales received their GCSE results at schools and colleges across the nation today.

This summer’s results mark the return to pre-pandemic arrangements for qualifications in Wales, with exams and assessments graded broadly in line with pre-pandemic outcomes.

GCSE results

  • 316,588 GCSE grades were awarded this summer - this is more than in both 2019 and 2023

  • 19.2% of GCSE grades issued in Wales were grade A/7, down from 21% last year, and slightly above 18.4% in 2019 - the last year before the pandemic.

  • 62.2% were grade C/4 or above, down from 64.9% last year, and slightly down on 62.8% in 2019.

  • 96.6% were grade G/1 or above, up from 96% last year, but down on 97% in 2019.

  • There were fewer entries from learners in Year 10 and below this year, compared to last year, but more than in 2019

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle joined pupils on results day

Wales' Education Secretary Lynne Neagle MS congratulated pupils on their results and paid tribute to teachers,

"This year was the final step in returning to the pre-pandemic examination arrangements so it's really important to recognise that you can't make comparisons with this year and the last few years.

"Our results are broadly similar to what we'd seen pre-pandemic which is what we had expected"

The Welsh Conservatives Shadow Education Minister, Tom Giffard MS said, "It is worrying that unlike the A-Level results last week, GCSE results are down compared to pre pandemic figures. The Welsh Government must come forward with a plan to address this drop.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens has sent her congratulations to pupils receiving their GCSE grades.

She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “The wait is over!

“Llongyfarchiadau to everyone in Wales receiving their GCSE results this morning. Wishing you all the best as you embark on your next chapter.”

Wales First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan earlier wrote in Welsh on the social media website: “Good luck to all throughout Wales who are receiving their GCSE results today.”

She added: “Diolch to all the teachers and parents too.”

Philip Blaker, Chief Executive at Qualifications Wales said “Your results can help you to take your next step, whether that be getting a job, starting an apprenticeship or training, or continuing your studies at school or college.

"Well done to all of you receiving results. Today marks an important milestone in your lives, after years of hard work.

"Arrangements for qualifications this year were the final stage of a gradual return to pre-pandemic processes that commenced when formal exams returned in 2022.

"Differences in approaches to awarding over the last four years mean that comparisons should not be drawn between annual outcomes during this period."

"That’s why it was important for us to return to usual assessment arrangements this year following the pandemic, to make sure there’s long-term fairness for all learners.

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