Another record year for GCSE results
Teenagers across the Observer area will today receive their GCSE grades in what is expected to be another record year for results.
The grades will help students decide their next step, be it to stay in school to take A-levels, or a vocational qualification, or to leave education for the world of work.
Experts predicted that almost seven in 10 papers could be awarded at least a C grade.
Some 7.1 per cent of entries alone gained a coveted A* grade last summer - a proportion that more than doubled since the grade was first awarded in 1994. This year the A*-C pass rate is expected to rise for the 23rd year in a row.
More than two thirds (67.1 per cent) of entries were awarded at least a C grade last summer, while more than a fifth (21.6 per cent) received an A or A*.
But the rising pass rate led to fresh concerns being raised recently about whether the system is fit for purpose.
John Bangs, head of education at the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said GCSEs were the best qualifications on offer at the moment, although they could be better. "I think the commitment to review qualifications in 2013 is something that should be maintained," he said.
There are concerns that the introduction of other qualifications, such as international GCSEs could lead to a "two-tier system", he added.
The results are usually published on a Thursday, but were moved this year to cater for schools which start the new term earlier this year.
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Weather for Bognor
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
