August 20, 2020 - 1771 views
GCSE results in Wales are up this year after a decision was made to base them on school assessments.
In a press release out from Qualification Wales this morning, it has been estimated that almost three-quarters of grades awarded were A* to C, with more than 25% A* and A grades. This has increased up from 18.4% last year.
The exams regulator Qualifications Wales said its "best estimate" was that 74.5% of GCSE grades were awarded at A*-C, compared to 62.8% in 2019.
For GCSE, A-level, AS-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate, pupils now receive the highest grade, regardless of whether that was a teacher's prediction or standardised grade.
Earlier today Education Minister Kirsty Williams sent her best wishes to pupils waiting to receive their results. She said:
"I want to send my very best wishes to everyone who receives their results today. It has been a year like no other, and today will feel a bit different.
"These results are a reflection and reward for your hard work, prior attainment in exams, and school assessment, so you should be very proud of what you have achieved.
"I hope you get the grades you’d hoped for, and you can continue with your journey in the autumn, whether this is onto college, apprenticeship or staying on at school."
The group representing local authorities and Headteachers in North Wales added their congratulations.
"We would like to wish all young people the very best for the future and acknowledge the support they have received from their schools, families and local authorities through the challenges of the last few months which have been unprecedented."
