GCSE results: hundreds of thousands of pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland await grades – latest updates
Summary
Hundreds of thousands of students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are receiving their GCSE exam results, which show a slight overall improvement in grades. The gap between boys’ and girls’ performances is the smallest since 2016, and more pupils are achieving top grades compared to last year. Research also finds that mandatory GCSE resits in England negatively affect some teenagers’ mental health.Key Facts
- GCSE results for 16-year-olds in 2025 show a general rise in grades across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- The gender gap in GCSE results is the smallest since 2016, with boys improving in subjects like maths and English.
- In England, 23% of pupils achieved grade 7 or above, up slightly from 22.6% in 2024.
- Northern Ireland had 31.4% of pupils earning grades A or A*, an increase of 1 percentage point from last year.
- Wales saw a rise in top grades to 20.1% and a small increase in passes at grade C or higher.
- A study by University College London found that compulsory GCSE resits in England harm teenagers’ mental wellbeing.
- Students who fail and must resit tend to suffer from lower self-confidence and are more at risk of dropping out of education or work.
- The GCSE cohort taking exams in 2026 experienced significant disruptions during early schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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