‘Our education system is not a level playing field’ EEF reacts to GCSE results

Earlier today (22 August), the 2024 GCSE results were published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). The cohort of students receiving their results today would have been in their first year of secondary school when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the UK in early 2020.

Early data from the results today has shown that:  

 67.6 per cent of pupils received a standard pass grade (4/C) or above. This figure is down on last year (68.2 per cent) but higher than in 2019 (67.3 per cent). The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) said 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 the regional differences in grades for pupils, according to the EEF. London and the South East saw the highest proportion of pupils receiving the top grades of 7 or higher (London 28.5 per cent, South East 24.7 per cent) whereas the North East has the lowest proportion (17.8 per cent). The EEF said 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 EEF, said:   “Today is a momentous day for pupils receiving their GCSE results and the teachers that have supported them through years of hard work. This cohort had those crucial early years secondary school disrupted by the pandemic, so deserve our congratulations and support.  

“These results are passports to future opportunities, whether in employment, training, or education. So, it is of particular concern to see the north / south divide at this level, reaffirming that our education system is not a level playing field.

“Similarly, the large gap at top grades between comprehensive and independent schools is further indication of the entrenched inequality in our system. Fulfilling your potential at school shouldn’t be down to your postcode or how much your parents earn but sadly, this still has a major impact on attainment.

 “The trends in results today should act as a guiding light to the new government as they determine their priorities for education reform.”  

Also commenting on today’s findings, Louise Hodge, associate director for school system and performance at the Education Policy Institute, said: “Following the pandemic’s disruption and over a decade of austerity, the education system in England faces significant challenges in the years ahead.

“Amongst them are the high levels of pupil absence, geographical inequalities, and a growing attainment gap between pupils from low income backgrounds and their peers – equivalent to 19 months of learning by the time they sit their GCSEs.”