‘It’s not very fair or necessary’
Parents and children are anxious and confused about what constitutes a pass under the new grading system
They represent the biggest changes to GCSEs since the qualification began, but less a than a fifth of parents think this year’s new grading system is a “good idea”.
The 9-1 numerical grades – replacing A* to G – were introduced to signal that GCSEs had been reformed and toughened, and to offer better differentiation between pupils.
But a survey – of more than 1,000 parents in England – reveals that nearly two-thirds of those with children studying GCSEs do not support the numerical system.
Cate Summers shares their concerns: “I don’t understand why things have to keep being changed all the ...
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