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GCSE grades have increased again GCSE top-grade pass rate rises
(10 minutes later)
GCSE grades have improved again, with more top grades being achieved in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.GCSE grades have improved again, with more top grades being achieved in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
More than 600,000 young people are getting their results, and almost one in five exam entries has been awarded an A* or A grade. More than 600,000 students are getting their results, and almost one in five exam entries has been awarded an A* or A. The overall pass rate fell slightly.
The proportion of entries getting grades of A* to C rose from 62.4% to 63.3%, while 19.5% got an A or A*.The proportion of entries getting grades of A* to C rose from 62.4% to 63.3%, while 19.5% got an A or A*.
The gap between boys and girls continues to narrow. Science entries rose, but French and German fell.The gap between boys and girls continues to narrow. Science entries rose, but French and German fell.
However, more people are taking Spanish (entries are up 3 percentage points) and other modern languages as a whole - these include Chinese, Arabic and Polish - are up 5.5 percentage points.However, more people are taking Spanish (entries are up 3 percentage points) and other modern languages as a whole - these include Chinese, Arabic and Polish - are up 5.5 percentage points.
There was a tiny fall in the overall pass rate - entries marked from A* to G. It fell from 98.1% to 98%. The total number of entries rose a little to just over 5.8m.There was a tiny fall in the overall pass rate - entries marked from A* to G. It fell from 98.1% to 98%. The total number of entries rose a little to just over 5.8m.
The proportion of entries achieving A* to A rose from 19.1% to 19.5%.The proportion of entries achieving A* to A rose from 19.1% to 19.5%.
The improvement this year is testament both of effective teaching and the dedication and hard work of studentsquote here Jim Sinclair, JCQThe improvement this year is testament both of effective teaching and the dedication and hard work of studentsquote here Jim Sinclair, JCQ
Results in both English and Maths improved slightly, with more pupils scoring at least a grade C in these two key subjects than last year.Results in both English and Maths improved slightly, with more pupils scoring at least a grade C in these two key subjects than last year.
In English, the proportion being graded from A* to C went up from 61.6% to 62.2%. For maths, the proportion rose from 54.3% to 55.2%.In English, the proportion being graded from A* to C went up from 61.6% to 62.2%. For maths, the proportion rose from 54.3% to 55.2%.
Analysts had said schools in England in particular had been under pressure to improve in maths. The government had said its priority was to get the basics right.Analysts had said schools in England in particular had been under pressure to improve in maths. The government had said its priority was to get the basics right.
Girls still outshine boys, but boys continue to catch up across the grades, narrowing the gap.Girls still outshine boys, but boys continue to catch up across the grades, narrowing the gap.
For example, in grades A* to C, the gap narrowed by 0.6 percentage points.For example, in grades A* to C, the gap narrowed by 0.6 percentage points.
'Positive signs''Positive signs'
The statistics were published by the Joint Council for Qualifications - the umbrella group for all the main examination boards.The statistics were published by the Joint Council for Qualifications - the umbrella group for all the main examination boards.
Its director, Jim Sinclair, said: "The improvement in the GCSE results this year is testament both of effective teaching and the dedication and hard work of students.Its director, Jim Sinclair, said: "The improvement in the GCSE results this year is testament both of effective teaching and the dedication and hard work of students.
"There are positive signs overall, with increased entries in mathematics and science, and the performance in all subject areas improving.""There are positive signs overall, with increased entries in mathematics and science, and the performance in all subject areas improving."
Fewer students are studying foreign languages.Fewer students are studying foreign languages.
Exam entries in German were down 10.2 percentage points from last year to just 81,000, while French fell 8.2 points. Teenagers at state schools no longer have to study a foreign language after the age of 14.Exam entries in German were down 10.2 percentage points from last year to just 81,000, while French fell 8.2 points. Teenagers at state schools no longer have to study a foreign language after the age of 14.
There was also a fall in the number of students taking history - entries were down 1.6 percentage points.There was also a fall in the number of students taking history - entries were down 1.6 percentage points.
Subjects such as media studies, business, and statistics increased sharply.Subjects such as media studies, business, and statistics increased sharply.