GCSEs: The provisional results
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fewer students entered for GCSE science subjects this year. Last year, an increase in entries in physics, chemistry and biology raised hopes of an improvement in the take-up of science in the sixthform, writes Judith Judd.
Numbers entering for combined science increased. Overall, the proportion of entries awarded A*-C in science was up by 0.2 percentage points.
The figure for maths rose by 0.6 and for English decreased by 0.8.
This year's table is different from last year's because the figures, all provisional, include all GCSE subjects.
Last year, only major subjects were included in the statistics.
David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, attacked the concentration on A*-C grades on which school league tables are based.
"The fact that 73 per cent of pupils achieved grade D or better is a success story which the Government totally ignores by its insistence that GCSE league tables should emphasise those who have achieved five or more A-C grades, thus replicating the attitude of previous administrations," he said.
"This year's results demonstrate that the perpetual emphasis on A-C grades is damaging the interests of the less able."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments