Overview

• Official JCQ data show 21.9% of entries scored grade 7/A or above, up 0.1 points year on year, while the grade 4/C pass rate dipped to 67.4% but remains above 2019.
• Girls’ top grades reached 24.5% versus 19.4% for boys, the narrowest gap since at least 2000, as Ofqual described overall outcomes as stable year to year.
• Ofqual and national regulators confirm standards are aligned with pre-Covid levels after pandemic-era grade inflation in 2020–21.
• Independent analysis highlights widening inequalities, with large regional imbalances such as Knowsley at about 40% attainment versus 83% in Richmond and stark gaps for disadvantaged pupils.
• Entries fell 0.4% overall, entries from ages 17+ rose 12.1%, and exam leaders renewed criticism of mandatory English and maths resits as a government pilot app delivered results to tens of thousands.