GCSE Results Day is a pivotal moment in the academic journey for students, parents, and educators alike. Following the disruptions of recent years, this year’s results day marks a return to normalcy. At the National Extension College, we’re here to provide you with all the crucial details leading up to this significant day.

When is GCSE Results Day 2024?

Mark your calendars for these essential dates:

• GCSE results released to schools: Wednesday, 21 August 2024
• GCSE Results Day for students: Thursday, 22 August 2024
• Deadline to request a priority copy of the marked paper: Thursday, 5 September 2024
• Deadline to request a review of marking: Friday, 27 September 2024

Students can request copies of their marked papers to identify any administrative errors. Additionally, those seeking a review of marking can have their papers re-evaluated by a second examiner.

What Time Will GCSE Results Be Released?

Typically, students can collect their results from their school or college starting at 8.00 am. However, some institutions might stagger the release time or provide results via email, so it’s important to check with your school beforehand.

How Can Students Access Their Results?

While students usually don’t need identification to collect their results, bringing ID can help ensure a smooth process. Having acceptance letters and contact details for prospective sixth forms or colleges on hand is also recommended, to facilitate prompt acceptance or next steps.

Understanding GCSE Grading for 2024

This year, the government continues its efforts to return to pre-pandemic grading standards. Ofqual Chief Jo Saxton has emphasised that results should closely mirror those from 2019, with grade boundaries adjusted to maintain consistent pass rates and grade distributions, despite any variations in student performance.

Key Trends to Watch For

With the return to pre-pandemic grading standards, you might notice a few trends:

• Fewer top grades: As grading adjusts, there could be a slight reduction in the number of top grades awarded.
• Variation in top grades by subject: Expect some subjects to have more variability in top grades.
• Potential widening of the disadvantage gap: The gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students might widen due to the grading changes.

Managing Results Day If You’re Away

If you can’t collect your results in person, many schools offer the option to receive results via email. This can be especially helpful for those who are away from home or prefer not to attend in person.

Dealing with Disappointing Results

If you don’t achieve the grades needed for college admission, it’s crucial to contact the institution immediately. Depending on the situation, you might still be accepted, asked to retake a GCSE, or be able to discuss any extenuating circumstances.

Our blog What to Do When You Didn’t Get the GCSE Results You Wanted explores what happens when you don’t get the GCSE results you wanted and, more importantly, what steps you can take to overcome this setback and build the successful future you envisioned.

Resitting Exams

Students have the option to retake exams if they’re unsatisfied with their grades. However, if you score below a 4 in English or maths, a retake is mandatory.

Top Tips for Collecting Results

If you’re collecting results in person, here’s a checklist of items to bring:

• Mobile phone
• Pen/pencil
• Notepad/writing paper
• Money
• College/sixth-form paperwork

Check with your school for specific procedures and possible staggered collection times.

Teachers’ Support on Results Day

Teachers play a vital role in celebrating student successes and supporting those who need to reassess their plans. We offer tailored guides for teachers, middle leaders, and pastoral leaders to assist on this important day.

Appealing a GCSE Grade

If you believe an exam has been inaccurately marked, an appeal process is available. You can request to have your exam paper reviewed by another examiner.

GCSE Certificates and Candidate Statements

On results day, students receive a Candidate Statement of Provisional Results, which details their grades and individual paper marks. Official certificates are typically distributed in the Autumn, once any re-marks and appeals have been completed.

Final thoughts

GCSE Results Day is a culmination of effort and dedication. At the National Extension College, we’re here to guide you through this crucial period, offering advice for students, teachers, and parents alike. Remember, these results are just one step in your journey towards a bright future.

Best of luck!