What is the pass rate for GCSE resits?

GCSE resit pass rates vary by subject and exam series, but generally, they are lower than first-time passes, especially in Maths, with recent figures (Nov 2025) showing around 17-18% for Maths (grade 4+) and higher for English (around 37-38% for English, grade 4+), though these rates fluctuate yearly, with English often seeing better resit results than Maths. The November exams, for those who didn't pass in the summer, have higher pass rates than summer resits, and many students face significant challenges, leading to calls for reform.

What is the pass rate for GCSE English resits?

Pass rates for resits taken in the summer exam period sit much lower than the November series. For GCSE English, 20.9 per cent of 175,118 post-16 students achieved a grade 4 pass in summer 2025.

Are GCSE resits harder?

A GCSE Maths resit follows the same structure as the original exam. You sit the same type of papers, follow the same specification and receive grades on the same 9-1 scale. Nothing is made harder or easier because it's a resit.

How common is it to fail a GCSE?

1. GCSE pass rate falls again. The GCSE pass rate has fallen again – with 67.4% of all grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at 4/C and above. That is slightly down from 67.6% last year.

Is 70% a pass in GCSE?

As a guide, if your child is aiming for the top grades of 8 or 9, they should aim for at least 70-80% in their papers. Typically, for a standard pass at Grade 4, students would generally need anywhere from 40-60%. As an example, here are the GCSE grade boundaries for the AQA English and Maths exams.

GCSE Resits: 5 WORST Mistakes to AVOID in your November GCSE Resit Exams! (2026 Resit Exams)

Is a 9 top 5%?

Students who perform exceptionally well receive a 9, usually the top 5% of the cohort.

What are the 5 hardest GCSEs?

• GCSE exam statistics (2025) - Hardest GCSEs.
• Explaining our Top 10 Hardest GCSEs list.
• 1) Combined Science (Double Award)
• 2) Maths.
• 3) English Language.
• 4) History.
• 5) Geography.
• 7) Computer Science.

What GCSEs did Kate Middleton get?

Kate Middleton received 11 GCSEs while attending Marlborough College, following that up with strong A-Level results of As in Maths and Art, and a B in English, before earning a 2:1 in History of Art at St Andrews University, demonstrating her academic ability. She was known as a studious student, achieving these results after attending St Andrew's School (Pangbourne) and Downe House before her final private school, Marlborough.
 

Is my life over if I fail GCSE?

If you fail your GCSEs, you have several viable pathways forward: retaking your GCSEs (including online options), pursuing alternative qualifications like Functional Skills or BTECs, exploring apprenticeships and vocational training, focusing on work experience, or taking time for personal development.

Is it worth resitting GCSE?

Resitting your GCSEs can be a valuable opportunity to prove your commitment, improve your grades, and open doors to further education or career opportunities. With the right support and study plan, you can turn this setback into a stepping stone.

What is the hardest math in GCSE?

What is the hardest GCSE Maths topic?

• Algebraic Proof.
• Coordinate Geometry & Circles.
• Problem Solving with Ratios.
• Vector Proof.
• Trigonometry.
• Circle Theorems & Geometric Proof.
• Conditional Probability.
• Histograms.

What happens if I fail my GCSE resit?

Hopefully you will pass your resit on this second attempt, but if not, then you can resit as many times as you like, or take an equivalent qualification such as a functional skills level 2 exam or a GCSE equivalency exam.

How many failed GCSEs in 2025?

In 2025, 21.9% of grades awarded are at grade seven (previously A) or above. But others will be holding a piece of paper – or looking at a screen – that tells them they have failed to reach expected standards. This year, 32.6% of awarded grades were below the pass grade of four.

Are GCSE resits easier?

The papers themselves are supposed to be of similar difficulty. They are not supposed to be easier or harder, though there can be some variation. Grade boundaries are set using a mixture of statistical evidence from results and the experience/expertise of the senior examiners.

Did Princess Diana pass her GCSEs?

Princess Diana failed her GSCEs (then O-levels) twice, but she did excel in deportment when she attended finishing school in Switzerland.

Why do Kate and William sleep in separate beds?

While there's no official confirmation, royal insiders suggest Prince William and Kate Middleton often sleep in separate bedrooms, a common practice among royals historically and modern couples for better rest, privacy, and differing schedules, though they also have a shared space and sleep together, especially on the Royal Train which only has single beds.
 

What is Meghan Markle's education level?

Born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, she graduated from Northwestern University with a dual degree in theater and international studies.

Is 70% a 7 in GCSE?

What is 70% in GCSE grades? A score of 70% will usually get you a grade 7 or 8 at GCSE, depending on the subject and your exam board's grade boundaries for that year. Here are the percentages you'll need to reach a grade 8 in English and Maths. Most are just above or below the 70% mark.

Has anyone got 100% in GCSE?

i actually did get 100% on my english lit paper 1 exam (AQA) - 64/64, macbeth and a christmas carol. on my results sheet, i had no idea what my individual marks were for each paper. i only got my overall mark and grade.

Is 70% C or D?

A 70% is usually a C- (C minus) in many US grading systems, falling at the low end of the C range (70-72%), but it can sometimes be a low C, a high D+, or even a passing grade depending on the specific school's or instructor's scale, which often varies slightly. 

Is a 60% an F or D?

A 60% is usually a low "D" or sometimes a "D-" grade, considered a minimum passing score in many U.S. systems, but it can fall into the failing "F" category (below 60%) depending on the specific school's or instructor's scale, which often separates 60-62% as D- and anything below 60% as F.
 

Will GCSE grade boundaries be lower in 2025?

Yes it will but it depends on the difficulty of the exams as it's not guaranteed. Here's why:Exam Difficulty: If the 2025 exams are generally harder than previous years, grade boundaries might be adjusted slightly lower to reflect that challenge.