Why have GCSE English grades concerningly dropped?
And how can you help your child buck the trend?
GCSE results day can be a very worrisome time! Students and parents naturally want to see that all their hard work and dedication has paid off, secure in the knowledge that they’ve achieved the next stage in their education and development.
On the most recent results day in August 2024, coverage in the media showed that grades appeared, overall, to be broadly similar to the previous year (2023). However, if we analyse the figures closely, there was a marked drop in English GCSEs results, and an increase in the number of resits.
Of all GCSE subjects, English Literature saw the largest fall in pupils achieving the highest grades (7/A or above). The subject saw a fall of 2.9%, as the proportion of top grades dropped from 20.8% in 2023 to 20.2% in 2024.
Most concerning is the drop in both English Language and English Literature pass rates:
The percentage of English Language pupils who achieved a 4/C or above in 2024 was 71.2%, down 0.4 points from 2023.
Similarly, English Language pupils attaining 4/C or above in 2024 was 73.9%, down 0.3 points from the previous year.
These results are below where they were in 2019; we are therefore looking at a slightly worse picture than pre-pandemic grades.
Why has this happened?
Some of the fall in English GCSE results seems to be caused by the high number of pupils resitting their tests after the pandemic disruption. A larger than usual number of 17-year-olds retook their exams having failed previously, with a large proportion failing to pass once again.
Not only this, but OFQUALs return to pre-pandemic exam standards in 2024 is also having an effect. This has raised the bar for pupils, following the infamous teacher-assessed grading of the covid years.
However, other factors are likely harming students’ results. Growing concerns around teacher workload indicate that teachers are increasingly overworked, forced to spend more and more time on bureaucracy and admin, not on their pupils learning and flourishing.
Record numbers of teachers are leaving the profession. Many cite their ever-increasing workloads and diminishing ability to focus fully on their pupils’ learning as a key reason for leaving. All of this disrupts the quality, stability and continuity of pupils’ classroom education.
How can you ensure your child bucks the trend?
Research shows that mastering the exam syllabus and technique is crucial for success at English GCSE. Pupils who understand the types of exam questions they will face and learn to adapt their knowledge and analysis to answer what the questions specifically demand of them, can confidently meet the criteria and achieve the highest grades. More generally, research proves that English proficiency (especially reading) unlocks the rest of the curriculum for pupils, and is, more than any other subject, foundational to their educational success.
Studies show that students succeed at English GCSE when educators interact directly with them, discussing the text and developing students’ own faculties to understand and analyse it. This encourages active engagement with the text and nurtures a pupil’s confidence to use their own analytical skills to answer exam questions.
Students also often report that they find texts dull, lacking the inspiration to properly engage with them. However, an emphasis on pupils practicing creative writing helps them to explore their creativity, but also hones their understanding of literary techniques. Open and engaging discussion about language, character, imagery, and other facets of a text help to unlock a pupil’s interest, increasing their engagement and improving their results over time.
How can Humanitas Learning support your child’s success?
At Humanitas Learning, we focus on helping your child master the examination syllabus. By breaking down the structure of the exam papers and centring their learning around mastering exam techniques, we will support your child to confidently adapt their knowledge and critical skills for whatever the exam asks of them. Model answers, past papers and common pitfalls are explored in detail, giving our students the extra skills they need for success.
One-to-one lessons in our interactive online classroom allow us to directly engage with the individual student and identify their strengths and areas for improvement. We walk students through a close analysis of literary texts, teaching them the linguistic and structural devices required to unlock the top grades. This personalised approach rapidly enhances our students’ confidence and analytical skills.
Our expert English tutors are passionate about literature and language and inspire pupils to unlock a love of reading that will underpin their future success. We offer a bespoke plan for your child, tailored to their individual needs and ability level, which will focus on ensuring they can unlock the highest grades in their exams.
Looking For More Help with GCSE English?
For additional support or information on preparing for GCSE English exams, contact Humanitas Learning or book a lesson with our highly experienced tutors.
