GCSE Pupils Told to Prepare for ‘Shock’ 300,000 Drop in Exam Grades

Education Expert predicts a substantial decline in exam results as marking returns to pre-pandemic times

Some students may be blocked from accessing student loans. Gareth Fuller/PA

GCSE pupils have been told to brace themselves for a “shock” substantial drop in results as grading continues to return to pre-pandemic levels.

An education expert has predicted around 300,000 fewer top grades could be awarded this week, as exams regulator Ofqual said GCSE results in England will be lower than last year and similar to levels in 2019—the year before COVID-19.