Hundreds of thousands of teenagers are today waking up to their GCSE results, with more than one in five entries expected to score the top grades.
Pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving GCSE and level 2 vocational and technical qualification (VTQ) grades to help them progress on to sixth form, college or training.
Teenagers, who moved from primary to secondary school in the middle of the pandemic, could face more competition for sixth form places this summer, it has been suggested.
Last year, more than a fifth (21.8%) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades – at least a 7 or an A grade, down from 22.0% in 2023.
Follow the Daily Mails live page for updates throughout the day
Bridget Phillipson - Pupils' options 'better than ever'
Speaking ahead of GCSE results day, the Education Secretary said that while options available for pupils receiving their grades today are 'better than ever', there remains 'entrenched inequalities' in schools across the country.
These young people moved from primary to secondary school right in the midst of the pandemic, showing remarkable resilience despite the disruption to those crucial years of education. Their options now are better than ever, whether it’s A-levels, T-levels, or an apprenticeship.
While it’s a moment to celebrate, today’s results will expose the inequalities that are entrenched in our education system. Too many young people continue to have their life chances defined by their background and where they live, and while we are beginning to see promising signs in critical areas like attendance and teacher recruitment, I am absolutely determined to deliver on our Plan for Change and truly break the link between background and success once and for all.
Ofqual - Results day is important milestone for students
Speaking ahead of today, Sir Ian Bauckham, chief regulator at Ofqual, said receiving GCSE results marked an 'important milestone' for students.
Results day is an important milestone for students. While there will inevitably be nerves as students receive their results, they should be proud of their achievements and can be confident that their grades will be widely recognised by employers, schools and colleges.
Today’s grades will open up opportunities for students as they move on to their next stage.
Competition for sixth-form could be 'fiercest ever'
Experts are predicting this year's competition for the most selective sixth forms will be 'fiercer than ever' this year.
Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, suggested more families may seek out state sector places after the VAT change on private school fees introduced in January.
Meanwhile, Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA), said he expected admissions to become 'more competitive' because of a rising 16-year-old population.
Read the full story by Eleanor Harding here:
Class of 2025 have shown 'remarkable resilience'
Many of the pupils who are receiving their GCSE results this summer were in Year 6 when schools closed because of the pandemic.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said this cohort of students – who moved from primary to secondary school in the middle of the pandemic – had shown 'remarkable resilience' despite the disruption to their education.
Education leaders warned they had faced a series of challenges – including school attendance issues and cost-of-living pressures.
There has been a rise in requests from young people who want extra time in their exams – and who want to sit in rooms away from the main exam hall – since the pandemic, it has been suggested.
Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA), told the PA news agency:
I think we’re going to go on experiencing the negative impact of Covid-19 and the cost-of-living situation for a number of years still.
When will students receive their results?
Pupils across the country can pick up their grades from 8am this morning although times may vary depending on schools.
Much like with A-level results last week, it will take some time before the national picture emerges of how this year's cohort has performed.
Later this morning we will discover the proportion of students receiving the highest grades, the strongest and weakest areas of the countries in terms of results and the comparison between boys and girls.
This summer, more than 95,000 pupils in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will receive their results using an app as part of a Government pilot.
The Education Record, which will bring pupils’ GCSE exam results and certificates into one app, aims to help young people when applying to further education, apprenticeships or employment.
UK pupils to learn their GCSE results
Hello and welcome to the Daily Mail's live coverage of GCSE results day.
For hundreds and thousands of pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland the day has arrived.
Today, they will receive their GCSE and level 2 vocational and technical qualification (VTQ) grades to help them progress on to sixth form, college or training.
Ministers have already described this cohort of students – who moved from primary to secondary school in the middle of the pandemic – as showing 'remarkable resilience' following the disruption to their education.
Stick with our coverage for the latest news, pictures and reaction from throughout the day with reporting from the Daily Mail's Education Editor Eleanor Harding and Jamie Bullen.
