Summary

  • Hundreds of thousands of you in England, Wales and NI have picked up GCSE, BTec Tech Awards and other Level 2 results today

  • The pass rate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has fallen for a third year running – with 67.6% of all grades at 4/C and above

  • In England, there’s a big regional divide - four out of five regions in the North and the Midlands have a lower pass rate this year than they did in 2019, while every region in the South has a higher pass rate

  • Ukrainian student who fled country following Russia’s invasion achieves a 6 (B equivalent) in GCSE English, after not speaking the language when she arrived

  • "I’m really, really happy now," says another student in Manchester, who heads to college to study law, combined English and history

  • Students in Scotland had their results earlier in the month, when pass rates dropped back to pre-Covid levels or below

'Three, two, one!' - The countdown to results

Live Reporting

Edited by Alice Evans

  1. What do we know so far?

    Hopefully you found that Q&A useful – and if you're just joining us and have questions about resits, grading and next steps for students, you can find answers below.

    We're going to be turning back to looking at today's results now. Here's a recap of what we know so far:

    • The pass rate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has fallen for a third year running, returning to levels last seen in 2019 - which was the last year exams were sat before Covid
    • The proportion of grades at 4/C and above is 67.4% in England, 61.7% in Wales, and 82% in Northern Ireland
    • London remains the highest-performing region in England, and the West Midlands is still the lowest
    • The gap between southern regions and other English regions is wider than it was before the pandemic
    • The government says it's committed to providing opportunities for pupils across the country
    • Some people have called for compulsory resits for English and maths to be scrapped
    • But the schools minister says every young person should have a "strong foundation" in those subjects.

    We've had lots of individual stories from students sharing their results with us – you can find those by scrolling back through. And we've got plenty more to come.

  2. Your Questions Answered

    Can I retake a subject that I passed to do even better?

    Hazel Shearing
    Education correspondent

    Congratulations on doing well in the first place!

    And yes, you can usually retake any exam you like.

    Bear in mind, though, that you'll have to wait until next summer to resit exams in most subjects. GCSE maths and English language exams also take place in November.

    And you might have to pay for it - it depends on the grade you have and the subject it's in.

    Speak to your school or college who can talk you through the process.

  3. Your Questions Answered

    Will it be worth my while if I aim for a university place?

    James Platford
    Careers Adviser, National Careers Service

    This question has come from one of our Instagram followers, who's asking whether it will be worth going to university in a couple of years' time.

    The simple answer is it depends on what you want to do.

    Employers do look at what qualifications you have, so this would be my focus.

    You need to decide whether you prefer full-time education alongside the lifestyle that attending university gives, or if you would prefer to work at the same time as learning by doing an apprenticeship. On top of this, there are higher technical qualifications (HTQs) to consider.

    Finally, you also need to consider if a degree-level qualification is even needed for your choice of career, or whether you can start at the bottom and work your way up.

    I would speak to as many people as you can to get advice on your best options. This could be friends and family, your school or a careers adviser. Good luck!

  4. Your Questions Answered

    Can you enrol at multiple sixth forms?

    Niki Mckenna
    Head of the 14+ Academies at Leeds City College

    Ashish, from London, asks: "Sixth form places at different schools are competitive. If the enrolment dates differ, is it possible to secure a place at my current school first and then explore the possibility of enrolling at my preferred school later?"

    You can absolutely reserve a place at both your current school and preferred one — it’s a smart move. Good thinking!

    Don’t forget, colleges are also an option, offering additional courses and qualifications for you to consider. Just make sure you contact your preferred school or college to register your interest and confirm their enrolment process so you don’t miss out.

    Once you’ve made your decision, you can cancel any places you won’t be using.

  5. Your Questions Answered

    Do employers look at GCSE results?

    James Platford
    Careers adviser, National Careers Service

    Emily, 16, from Birmingham asks: "Will our GCSE results be looked at when applying for jobs?"

    GCSEs are important, but it is what you do next that can make a difference for your potential career choices.

    Employers often require English and maths at grades 4-9, so I would make this my first focus. These can be retaken in November or the following year if you are unhappy with your result.

    I would then focus on whether you are doing A-levels, T-levels, vocational technical qualifications, apprenticeships or starting work alongside study or training.

    These qualifications, alongside your GCSEs, will be considered by employers.

    My advice would be to speak to your school and someone within the careers team there, as well as your parents or guardians to help make these decisions.

    If you are one of the lucky people who has an idea of what career you wish to do, then use this to inform your choices.

  6. Your Questions Answered

    Could GCSEs and A-levels be replaced?

    Carl Cullinane
    Director of research and policy, The Sutton Trust

    Another question we got via Instagram now, asking whether there is a plan to replace traditional GCSE and A-level qualifications. And, if so, what do we know?

    The previous Conservative government was looking to replace A-levels and T-levels with a combined qualification called the Advanced British Standard, which would mean young people studying more subjects until the age of 18.

    However, the new Labour government has announced that this will not be going ahead. They may look at reforms to assessment further down the line, but I think it’s not a priority for them at the moment.

  7. Your Questions Answered

    Can I get into further education or an apprenticeship with poor grades?

    James Platford
    Careers adviser, National Careers Service

    One of our followers on the BBC News Instagram page has asked what options are available for further study or apprenticeships if you haven't got the grades you hoped for.

    These days there are plenty of options out there, so there is no need to panic.

    Firstly, consider which subjects you have enjoyed so far. Are there any subjects that have not been available to you but could be in further education? Are there any careers you are interested in which could give you an idea of where to focus your further education?

    Then research A-levels, T-levels, vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) and apprenticeships. You can also start work alongside part-time study or training.

    You can look at the Skills for Careers website for more information, as well as speaking to your parents and school to help make a decision.

    The National Careers Service also has information on their website that can help, or you can book an appointment with a career advisor on 0800 100900.

  8. Your Questions Answered

    What can I do if I didn't get the grades I wanted?

    Niki Mckenna
    Head of the 14+ Academies at Leeds City College

    Rihanna, 16, from Dorset asks: "I’ve only applied for one place, what if I don’t get the grades?"

    Even if you don’t get the grades you hoped for, it’s still worth speaking to your chosen sixth form or college.

    They may still offer you a place if you narrowly miss your grades, or transfer you to another course or subject that supports your career goals. You might also be allowed to retake certain GCSEs, such as maths and English, while you study for an A-level, BTec or T-level.

    If you do have to find a new place, don’t worry — many sixth forms and colleges enrol between late August and early September, and some allow you to turn up and apply on the spot.

    Finally, remember that results alone don’t define your success!

  9. Your Questions Answered

    What's gone on with grading?

    Hazel Shearing
    Education correspondent

    We’ve had loads of questions from our Instagram followers about this year's grade boundaries - why they might be different to last year, and whether they're still affected by the pandemic. So what's gone on?

    After you sit your exams, senior examiners get together to set grade boundaries for different papers – in other words, they look at how hard everyone found the exam and decide how many marks are needed to reach a certain grade.

    As a result, individual grade boundaries vary from year to year and from subject to subject, depending on how difficult individual papers are.

    The big picture this year is that grade boundaries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have been set with the aim of achieving a similar set of results to the pre-Covid years.

    There was a spike in the pass rate in 2020 and 2021 when exams were cancelled and grades were based on teachers’ assessments.

    Phased efforts were then introduced to bring the results back down to 2019 levels.

    That happened last year in England, but was always due to happen for the first time this year in Wales and Northern Ireland.

    That’s why the drop in the pass rate is steeper in Wales and Northern Ireland than it is in England.

  10. Your Questions Answered

    What if I need to resit?

    Niki Mckenna
    Head of the 14+ Academies at Leeds City College

    Erin, 16, from Morpeth asks: "What happens if I need to retake my GCSEs?"

    Firstly, don’t panic! Anyone retaking a GCSE exam or assessment should speak to their school or college about arranging this as they are best-placed to help.

    The timing will depend on the subject — resits for GCSE maths and English usually happen in November, while other subjects are retaken during the usual exam period in May or June.

    Speaking to your school or college will help you determine how to register, when you need to apply by, and the preparation you can do in the meantime.

  11. Your Questions Answered

    Do you need to pay to get your papers remarked?

    Niki Mckenna
    Head of the 14+ Academies at Leeds City College

    We've had this question from a few of you on Instagram: Is there a cost to getting your papers remarked?

    Yes, there is usually a fee to have a GCSE paper remarked, but whether you pay for this depends on your school or college.

    Some schools and colleges cover the cost for their students, while others ask parents and carers to pay.

    Private candidates will need to cover the fee themselves.

    The cost varies, so it’s best to check with your school or college for details on how to request a remark and the associated fees.

  12. Meet the experts answering your questions

    Now that lots of you have got your grades, we’re putting all of your questions about exam results to our panel of experts.

    Guiding us through the next hour or so will be:

    • Hazel Shearing, education correspondent, BBC News
    • Carl Cullinane, director of research and policy, The Sutton Trust
    • Niki Mckenna, head of 14+ academies at Leeds City College
    • James Platford, careers adviser, National Careers Service

    What would you like to ask our experts?

  13. The North-South divide that existed before Covid persists

    Hazel Shearing
    Education correspondent

    London remains the highest-performing region in England, with 72.5% of entries marked at 4/C and above.

    The West Midlands is still the lowest-performing region, where that pass rate was 63.1%.

    That 9.4 percentage point gap is up from 8.7 last year.

    It was 6.8 in 2019, when London was again the highest-performing region and the West Midlands and the North East were the joint-lowest.

    More broadly, the North-South divide that existed before Covid persists.

    Four out of five regions in the North and the Midlands have a lower pass rate this year than they did in 2019, whereas every region in the South has a higher pass rate.

    The Northern Powerhouse says the regional differences are "largely a reflection of the differences... in the proportions of long-term disadvantaged children by region".

    Pupils experienced different amounts of Covid disruption depending on a range of things, including how their part of the country was affected and how much access they had to technology at home.

    MPs warned last year that it could take a decade for the gap between disadvantaged pupils and others to narrow to what it was before the pandemic.

    A map of regions in England, highlighted in different shades of blue depending on the proportion of pass grades. There is a smaller map, too, showing the same map in 2019. Broadly, the map shows a widening North-South divide.

  14. In pictures: Hugs, celebrations and pats on the back

    It's been an emotion-filled morning for many of you.

    Are you crying tears of joy, hugging each other in relief, or gasping in shock?

    Don't forget, support is available if your results are not what you hoped for.

    Girl holds piece of paper with look of joy in her face as she turns to a womanPA

    Cries of relief in Brighton as the wait is finally over

    Two girls hug each other while holding pieces of paper with their GCSE results on themPA

    Hugs and smiles as these two celebrate each other's results

    A girl celebrates her GCSE results, she and her teacher are holding a piece of paperPA Media

    It's another great result in south-west London

    Two girls pose for a photo being taken by two women on their phones

    Say "cheese" for the camera in Swindon

  15. Send your questions to our panel of experts

    No matter what your results are, give yourself a pat on the back for getting through your GCSEs and other Level 2 courses.

    You might be wondering what your next steps are.

    There are many options open to you, such as doing A-levels and BTec Nationals at college or sixth-form.

    If you’re looking for job experience while studying, you could consider T-levels or apprenticeships.

    You might be thinking about which subjects to continue studying, or whether to resit some exams.

    Whatever you decide your next steps are, we’ll have a team of experts on hand shortly to answer your questions - just email yourquestions@bbc.co.uk.

  16. Results not spread evenly across the country – schools minister

    Catherine McKinnell speaks to a reporter just off camera while she visits a schoolUK Pool

    Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell says today's GCSE results and last week's A-level results "are not spread evenly across the country".

    She says the government is determined to ensure every young person has access to opportunity no matter where they live, acknowledging it's a "big task" but "one that we are committed to delivering on".

    Asked about criticism of compulsory resits for English and maths and if they should be scrapped, she says every young person should have a "strong foundation" in those subjects, outlining the government's plans to improve performance.

    But she says young people are coming through a system that is "depleted in many ways", and the government wants to tackle that with more teachers.

  17. She’s just showed what a strong woman she’s turning into, cries proud mum

    Matt Weigold
    Reporting from Thistley Hough Academy in Stoke-on-Trent

    A woman and her daughter looking at GCSE results

    Ayla’s mum was in tears watching her daughter open her envelope at Thistley Hough Academy in Stoke-on-Trent.

    “I’m so pleased. She’s put in so much work. We’ve had such a hard year as a family but she’s just showed what a strong woman she’s turning into.”

    Not only has Ayla put in maximum effort in her studies, she also works part-time wrapping presents at a gift shop in Trentham.

    “I’m really happy. I was not expecting this – I got a 9 (A* equivalent) in English Literature,” she choked reading her results.

    Principal Noel Kennedy is really pleased with how the whole year group has performed, with pass rates and progress made up on previous years.

    However, he described it as a difficult day waving goodbye to a ‘mini-family’ of year eleven pupils.

  18. 'Talk about how you’re feeling' - Top tips from teachers

    Secondary school teacher Youlande is speaking into the camera. She has afro hair and is wearing a white short-sleeved shirt. She is standing in front of a whiteboard in a classroom and a bright yellow wall display.BBC Bitesize

    Our friends at BBC Bitesize have been asking teachers from across the country for tips on how you can keep on top of your stress levels today.

    PE teacher Martyn Shields, from Larbert High School in Falkirk, says it’s good to“be open” with friends and family about any worries or concerns you have.

    Miriam Gannon, who teaches geography at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Birmingham, says you shouldn’t compare your results to anyone else, while English teacher Billy Haigh from Honley High School in Holmfirth says it’s probably best to "take a break and disconnect" from your social media feeds for a few hours.

    And whatever happens today, psychology teacher Youlande Biosah, from The Urswick School in London, says you should be proud of what you’ve achieved.

    “Exams results are important, but they do not define you.”

    Other Bitesize guides you might find useful include:

  19. ‘Call the emergency services – it’s 999’

    Mollie Perella
    Reporting from East Barnet school in north London

    Khalil Suddle and Ethan Cicopalus hold up their results

    Khalil Suddle was always confident.

    His teacher tells me that after his mocks he said to her: "Somebody call the emergency services- it's 999".

    “People are going to think I cheated,” he tells me, still holding his nine 9s at his school in Barnet, north London. “I’m thankful really – pretty speechless.”

    Khalil’s year group started their secondary education online because of the Covid pandemic and the student says he’s proof it’s never too late for a comeback.

    “Throughout Covid, I was just playing games,” he says. “I wasn’t paying attention, so this is a bit of a comeback at the end.

    “If you work hard enough, anything’s achievable.”

    He’s with his friend and classmate Ethan Cicopalus who’s bagged six 9s and three 8s.

    “It’s slightly better than I was expecting – especially for German,” he says.

    They’ll both be back in September to start their A-levels.

    But first it’s time to celebrate.

  20. 'Now I know I can follow my dreams'

    Larissa Tairo
    Reporting from Wright Robinson College, Manchester

    Sienna smiles to camera after receiving her results

    Most people feel results day nerves, but Sienna was confident that her hard work had paid off.

    But as she was handed that brown envelope, her stomach began to churn.

    Sienna is 16 and hoped to get into college to study law, combined English and history.

    Today her dream has come true. When she opened her results, a wave of relief overcame her as she began to cry. “I’m really, really happy now”, she says.

    She received an 8/7 in her English GCSEs, 8 in maths, 8 in statistics, 6/6/7 in sciences, a 5 in Spanish and a 9 in history.

    “I failed Spanish in my mocks, and I got a 5 today... I’m looking forward to the future, now I know that I can [follow my dreams], it is possible.”

    Sienna hopes that this brown envelope signals the beginning of a career as a lawyer.