As anticipated, this year’s GCSE grades are lower than last’s, although by not as much as the full correction that the Government had been looking for. Teachers had been too generous in awarding grades when they had the responsibility.
Most disappointment will be felt by those expecting the very top grade and those on the cusp of passing. At the top, pride will have been dented, because there are fewer straight nines. Missing out is far more serious for those hoping for a pass, since failure could mean not getting what they need for the course they were hoping to do.
