Students have picked up GCSE results while thousands more were hit with delays to Btecs grades.
The pass rate and proportion of top grades dropped in GCSEs this year as efforts to crack down grade inflation kicked in.
But as hundreds of thousands found out their results on Thursday, an exam board said around 5,700 students had been deemed ineligible to get grades in another qualification.
”We need to work with schools and college to resolve queries, run eligibility checks and confirm if the student still wishes to claim a grade,” a spokesperson for Pearson said. “We apologise to any student waiting for a result.”
It came a week after other pupils faced delays in getting results from the same awarding body.
In other exam news, London came out on top in England for GCSE results. Around 32 per cent of grades in the capital were the highest marks, compared to 22 per cent in other regions – including Yorkshire and the North East.
GCSE students to receive grades
Pupils will receive their GCSE grades this morning, after sitting exams for the first time since the pandemic.
Similar to the pattern with A-level results, published last week, it is expected that grades will drop below last year, but remain above those from 2019.
Following the publication of A-level results last week, social mobility charity The Sutton Trust said regional gaps are growing and the differences in levels of achievement at private schools compared with state schools and colleges are still above 2019 levels.
On the eve of GCSE results being published, Labour has accused successive Conservative governments of leaving “legacy of unequal outcomes” that are holding back children and communities.
Shadow schools minister Stephen Morgan said: “Young people receiving results have worked incredibly hard, but 12 years of Conservative governments has left a legacy of unequal outcomes that are holding back kids and holding back communities.
“As we head into results day, every child should know that they are supported by a Government which believes in them and their ability to succeed, but sadly that’s simply not the case. The Conservatives are failing our children.
“Labour is ambitious for every child. We would end tax breaks for private schools and invest in thousands of new teachers, to give every child the brilliant teaching and school experience they need to achieve and thrive.”
Following the publication of A-level results last week, social mobility charity The Sutton Trust said regional gaps are growing and the differences in levels of achievement at private schools compared with state schools and colleges are still above 2019 levels.
GCSE results: Here’s how students can overcome stress, anxiety ahead of grades
Students with jittery nerves awaiting their GCSE results can turn to Open Your Mind for mental health support as the campaign is immediately available for pupils and their parents across the country to fight out the nervous pangs.
The Cavendish Square Group’s initiative is a collective of 10 NHS trusts and offers tips and suggestions to those worried ahead of collecting their grades.
Experts at Open Your Mind suggest that if someone you care for is feeling overwhelmed and people are worried that they might not be able to keep themselves safe, then you should call your local NHS mental health helpline which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Calling your local NHS 24/7 urgent mental health support line, which is supported by trained mental health advisors and clinicians, will help make an assessment to help decide on the best course of care. You will not be wasting anyone’s time,” the campaign assures.
Students have been urged to reach out for help early and at the sign of slightest duress to ensure they don’t reach a crisis point — especially when there’s just days and hours to go for announcement of results.
Younger ones can access assistance via digital text support, NHS mental health crisis lines, and counselling.
