Are you aware of the changes that have been made to the GCSE grading system in England?

If you don’t have a teenager in the house, it may have escaped your notice. So, the government has realised that not everyone is aware and is spending a significant amount of public money to explain the changes and what they mean.

What is the new grading system? 

A 9 to 1 grading scale is replacing the traditional A* to G. Under the new system, 9 is the highest grade that a student can achieve and 1 is the lowest.

Grade 4 is considered a ‘standard pass’, which aligns to the bottom of grade C. This is the minimum level that students are required to achieve in English and mathematics. If they do not obtain grade 4 in these subjects, they will be obliged to continue studying them as part of their post 16 education.

When are the changes taking place? 

This summer, students picked up results with numbers in three subjects: mathematics, English Literature and English Language. The new numbered system will be rolled out to the other subjects over the course of the next two years. This means that during the transition period, students will receive results with a mixture of letters and numbers. By 2020, all GCSEs will be graded under the new system.

Most GCSEs in schools across Wales and Northern Ireland will continue grading exams under the old A* to G system.

What does this mean for employers?

It is important for employers to be aware of the new system because they will be receiving CVs and application forms from those who have just left school in search of part-time jobs, internships, work experience, etc.

If your current entry requirements is a C or above, you should be asking for a grade 4 or above. This should be reflected in your job advertisements and your recruitment and selection materials.