GCSE results will reflect varying impact of pandemic, says headteachers union

GCSE grades will be lower this year after the government moved to rein in grade inflation seen during the pandemic. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

GCSE results will be uneven across the country due to the varying impact of the pandemic, according to the headteachers union, which described the government’s Covid recovery programme as “lacklustre and chaotic”.

The number of top grades at A-level fell sharply this year and a similar decline is anticipated for GCSE grades as the government seeks to reverse the grade inflation caused by teacher-assessment during the pandemic.