GCSE Trends

The performance of QK Year 11 students in GCSE examinations.

Chart showing the continuing rise in GCSE points scored since 1997

Results are often analysed on four measures by which schools may be judged:

Progress towards university: Students gaining five or more "good" GCSE grades A*, A, B, C (Level 2). From 2007 separate figures are given for when these include English and Mathematics.
Whether a school is delivering an all-round education for all abilities: Students passing at least five GCSEs (Level 1)
Overall attainment: The average points scored by students
Students leaving without any qualification: 100% of QK students gain at least one pass in almost every year (not shown on the chart)

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) has been the examination taken at the end of their compulsory schooling by all 16-year-olds in England and Wales since 1988. Previously there had been separate examinations for the 'bright' and the rest. The General Certificate of Education (GCE) began in 1948 with ('ordinary') O-levels for this age group. Only pupils at grammar and public schools – around 20% of children – took O-levels but most then spent two years in the Sixth Form, sat GCE ('advanced') A-levels and went up to university. Until 1961, with the advent of the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) for 'the rest', some 80% of children left school at 15 or 16 without any qualifications.

GCSE Scores

Points to 2003	Grade	Points from 2004
		Level 2
8	A*	58
7	A	52
6	B	46
5	C	40
		Level 1
4	D	34
3	E	28
2	F	22
1	G	16

Double points for Double Award Vocational,
Half points for Short Courses