The BBC News website has reported that the new GCSE grading system (9-1) is now causing some confusion at university levels.
This is largely stemming from the recent announcement by Justine Greening, Minister for Education, that a ‘4’ was a “standard” pass and a ‘5’ was a “strong” pass.
It has emerged that some universities are still asking for a C in English and Maths – despite the fact that this grade no longer exists.
On the other hand, some universities have now moved forward to say that a ‘5’ is needed to get onto their courses. Conversely, others have said that a ‘4’ is the minimum requirement for entry.
Our advice would be to go for a ‘5’. Things keep changing all the time but initial indications were that a ‘4’ would be good enough for Summer 2017 but a ‘5’ would be needed in Summer 2018. If a student gets at least a ‘5’ then they remove all doubt.
Even so, the top universities will stiill be judging applications on the overall grade levels so the higher you go, the higher ranked your university.
For more information on the latest confusion visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-40418457
