GCSEs: Regional Inequality Widens as Share of Top Grades Falls

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Summary:

  • GCSE top grades in England have dropped significantly and regional disparities have increased.
  • Government's efforts for educational equality are criticized as regional differences persist.
  • Contrasts in grading between England, Wales, and Northern Ireland raise questions about fairness.
  • Despite challenges, the current cohort is celebrated for their achievements amid ongoing educational inequalities.


From London to Sheffield, as relief washed over these students, a north-south divide of GCSE exam results deepened. A week on from A-level grades being pulled back to pre-pandemic levels, it was on everyone's mind as they opened envelopes.


Regional Inequality Grows as Top Grades Decline

Top grades in England have fallen almost to pre-COVID levels and regional inequalities widened. The attainment gap was actually narrowing quite considerably from 2010 to before the pandemic, so under this Conservative government we got it down 9%, which was amazing and we were pleased with that. Now it has taken a step back in the pandemic. We've put £5 billion into catch-up. But with London's rise in top grades more than twice the increase in the north-east, critics say the government's managed a decline in educational standards.

Unequal Results Spark Criticism

I think what we've seen today is really unequal results across the country and as the Prime Minister himself admitted already this morning, it's because the government's levelling up agenda has failed and we know that children in disadvantaged communities aren't going to do as well as children in more affluent areas. I think there are really good set of results. It was also only England where anti-grade inflation plans were forced through.

Regional Contrasts in Grading

Top grades in Wales are now 3% above 2019, Northern Ireland 4% up. Remember, everyone getting their results had their education disrupted for two years and they're the first year group to have their GCSEs graded normally since Covid, leading some to question whether or not enough allowances have been made for this cohort and whether or not like in Wales and Northern Ireland, a softer approach to grading should have been taken for another year.

Celebrating Amid Educational Inequalities

With renewed focus on educational inequalities, it's of course a time to reflect, but for now, celebrate success in whatever form.


Very, very happy. With renewed focus on educational inequalities, it's of course a time to reflect, but for now, celebrate success in whatever form.

Location: London, UK

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