Exam season has concluded for hundreds of thousands of GCSE students across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Here's everything you need to know about results day.

When is GCSE results day 2024?

GCSE results will be available from 08:00 onwards on Thursday, 22 August. If you're collecting them in person, check with your school for the exact time.

In England, GCSEs are now graded numerically from 9-1, replacing the previous A-E system. A grade 4 represents a "standard pass," while a grade 5 is a "strong pass."

In Wales and Northern Ireland, GCSEs continue to be graded using letters unless the exam falls under an English exam board.

What are the GCSE grade boundaries?

Grade boundaries indicate the minimum number of marks required for each grade. These are set by examiners and published on results day.

Qualification Wales, overseeing Welsh exams, notes that performance in some subjects may not have fully recovered since the pandemic. They will use statistics to set grade boundaries to prevent marks from dropping below 2019 levels.

In England and Northern Ireland, grade boundary decisions have returned to normal. However, for this year only, Ofqual allowed students in maths, physics, and combined science exams to use formulae and equation sheets. This will not be permitted in 2025.

How can I appeal against GCSE results?

If you believe your grade is incorrect, first speak to your school or college. They can contact the exam board to request a review of your marks. If you still feel your grade is unfair, you can ask your school to appeal further. If dissatisfied with the outcome, you can request a review from Ofqual.

YoungMinds, a charity, emphasizes that results are not the sole measure of success. There are various ways to achieve your goals even if results are not as expected.

What if I fail a GCSE exam?

You can resit any GCSE exam in the next academic year. Resits for mandatory subjects, GCSE maths and English, will take place starting from 5 November. Discuss with your school the best course of action if you want to explore resit options.

What happens next?

Under-18s must continue in education or training. Options include staying in full-time education, starting an apprenticeship, or working while studying part-time. Many students choose to study A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Vocational courses such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), BTec Level 3s, TechBacs, Cambridge Technicals, and T-levels (in England) are also available.

Apprenticeships are another route, offering a salary while you spend 80% of your time in the workplace and receive training.

When do results come out in Scotland?

Scotland follows a different qualification system with Nationals instead of GCSEs and Highers, similar to A-levels.