Your GCSE 2022 Grades Explained

Here’s what you need to know about GCSE summer exams across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

At the time of writing, GCSE exams will take place as scheduled in the summer of 2022. There are some changes you need to know about before entering your exams though.

Some changes include information ahead of examinations, the option to take supporting materials with you and more.

What to expect in GCSE 2022 exams in a nutshell

Exams will take place in May and June of 2022. However some changes are happening that you may need to be aware of. Here’s what to expect.

• Topic and content choices in subjects like History, English Literature and Geography

• Advanced information on what to revise on

• Formulae sheets in Maths, Combined Science and Physics exams

• New requirements for design-based subjects, particularly art, where you may only need to complete one component. This depends on your examination board.

When will advance information be available for GCSE students?

Key information for summer exams should be made available in early February. English language and maths GCSE exams in November 2022 will be made available in July 2022.

Read: 10 best study planner apps.

What’s the new grade system for GCSEs?

Exams in the summers of 2020 and 2021 have not taken place due to the pandemic. This meant that students were awarded their predicted grades. As a result, students had “higher” grades than typical years where exams take place in their usual format.

As exams are planned to take place next summer, it’s been decided that students will receive as much support as possible with the changes we mentioned before. Obviously, grades won’t be as high as last year, but exam boards expect them to be higher than that of 2019.

How do the new grades compare to the old ones?

England’s grading system now works on a 9-1 system, as opposed to A*-E. This is how the numerical system lines up with the old one:

• 9/8 – A*

• 7 – A

• 6 – B

• 5 – C (strong pass)

• 4 – C (standard pass)

• 3 – D

• 2 – E

• 1 – F/G

• 0 – U

What counts as a pass?

To pass your GCSEs, you need a minimum of a grade 4 to pass. By achieving straight 4s, you techinically pass all of your GCSE exams.

To be more specific, stats on the school league tables are based on students receiving a grade 5 (or “strong passâ€) and higher. Plus, sixth forms and colleges are setting grade requirements at 5 and 6 or above to keep up with their courses.

Why has the system changed?

The GCSE grading system changed around four years ago to give students more content and “harder†questions in their exams. The government believes that ​​students nowadays are in a much better place to develop their skills and perform at their best with more challenging curriculum.

Is it the same in Wales?

GCSEs in Wales presented major changes to their English, Welsh and Maths courses. They’ve also kept the same letter-based grading structure which is A*-G.

Is it the same in N. Ireland?

Students sitting exams set by the English boards, in Ireland, may receive results in the English grading scale. The Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has introduced a new scale ranging from A*-G, with a C* grade too.

Is it the same in Scotland?

Scotland has always had their own examination system consisting of Nationals and Highers. New Highers exams were introduced back in 2015.

What to know before GCSE exams

Teachers are being urged to plan termly assessments to see where you’re at and predict your grades. This is not only to see your progress, but to determine what grade you could be offered if covid cases affect exam sitting.

You may naturally be more worried or feel under pressure about achieving results quickly. Though this is a guide designed for teachers to give feedback, this may help you know what to expect and plan ahead. Read the teacher contingency arrangements guide on the government website.

Read: How to avoid academic burnout.

How to get your GCSE grades on results day

At the time of writing, GCSE results day will be held on 25th August 2022.

Have any more questions about GCSE results day? Are you feeling apprehensive about the next exam period? We’d be happy to help and listen to your stories. Reach out to Student Beans over Twitter or DM us over on Instagram.