More than two-thirds of teens concerned about GCSE grading system, poll finds

More than two-thirds of teenagers are concerned about the new GCSE grading system, according to a poll.
GCSE results are being released today. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA WireGCSE results are being released today. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
GCSE results are being released today. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

The survey also suggests nearly two-thirds do not feel the new system - which sees exams given a grade from 9-1 - will represent their grades as well as it should.

The findings of the poll, commissioned by the National Citizen Service, come on the day teenagers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland receive their GCSE results.

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GCSE results are being released today. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA WireGCSE results are being released today. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
GCSE results are being released today. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire
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In total, 69% of the 1,000 14 to 17-year-olds questioned, who are currently waiting for their GCSE results, said they are generally concerned about the new grading system.

And 65% of those questioned feel the new system will not represent their grades fully.

The survey also found just 7% expect to get a grade 4 - broadly equivalent to a C under the old system - in most of their subjects.

Around one in eight (12%) think they will score mainly grade 5s, while just under a fifth (19%) expect to achieve mostly grade 6s - making it the most common answer.

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Some 18% expect to get mostly 7s - broadly equivalent to an A grade, while just 4% expect to get mainly 9s - the highest grade.

- Censuswide questioned 1,000 14 to 17-year-olds waiting for their results between August 13-20.