The results show that:
- 67.6% of pupils received a standard pass grade (4/C) or above. This figure is down on last year (68.2%) but higher than in 2019 (67.3%). This means that nearly a third of pupils may be facing resits depending on the subject they have secured a 4 or lower in.
- The figures have also demonstrated regional differences in grades for pupils. London and the South East saw the highest proportion of pupils receiving the top grades of 7 or higher (London 28.5%, South East 24.7%) whereas the North East has the lowest proportion (17.8%). This represents a wider trend where areas with higher child poverty levels see poorer educational outcomes for young people in their area compared to more affluent regions.
Reacting to the results, Chris Paterson, co-CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), said: