Ofqual to raise awareness of switch to numerical GCSE grades
Exams regulator Ofqual has pledged to take further action to raise awareness of imminent changes to England's GCSE grading system, which remain poorly understood at present.
The present paradigm of allocating letter-based grades from A* to G for GCSE students will be phased out in favour of numerical ratings from nine to one commencing this summer, but the majority of people do not understand the implications of this change yet, reports BBC News.
A small survey carried out by Ofqual has indicated that only 31 per cent of secondary pupils are clear about how the new system works, while for parents this figure stood at 30 per cent.
Additional research with 50 human resources leaders showed that less than half understood it, while among small businesses, this figure drops to around one-fifth.
To address this, Ofqual will be expanding its publicity drive - which currently includes a series of online workshops for teaching staff in schools and universities - to include employers in the coming months, with the Department of Education also getting involved to communicate the basics of the changes, including the fact that nine is the highest grade.
A spokesman from the Department for Education said: "Our GCSE reforms will create gold-standard qualifications that match the best education systems in the world and allow young people to compete in an increasingly global workplace.
"We continue to work closely with the sector to ensure they understand what the changes will mean for them when they come into effect later this year."
The numerical grading system will make its debut this summer, with those sitting English and maths GCSEs receiving a mixture of number and letter grades. By summer 2018, a mix of numbers and letters will be awarded in an additional 20 subjects, ahead of the complete replacement of the old letter system by 2019.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£180 - 270 per day
Location free text
Leyland
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Leyland
Description
Science TeacherLocation: Leyland Start Date: January 2027 (or sooner) Contract: Full-Time Salary: From £180 per day (dependent on experience)Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting for a passionate
Reference
AJB- SCI- 11/11
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£180 - 270 per day
Location free text
Leyland
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Leyland
Description
English TeacherLocation: Leyland Start Date: January 2027 (or sooner) Contract: Full-Time Salary: From £180 per day (dependent on experience)Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting for a passiona
Reference
AJB- ENG- 11/11
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£180 - 250 per day + SEN Allowance
Location free text
Basingstoke
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Food Tech
Location
Basingstoke
Description
Catering / Food Technology Teacher Basingstoke | Full-Time | Permanent MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance | Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated Catering / Fo
Reference
foodSEMHbstketechr
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£180 - 270 per day
Location free text
Leyland
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Leyland
Description
Maths TeacherLocation: Leyland Start Date: January 2027 (or sooner) Contract: Full-Time Salary: From £180 per day (dependent on experience)Teaching Personnel is currently recruiting for a passionate a
Reference
AJB- MATHS- 11/11
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£200 - 250 per day
Location free text
Preston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Physical Education
Location
Lancashire
Description
Teacher of Sport & PE (A-Level / BTEC) - Full-TimeLocation: Preston Start Date: ASAP / January 2027 at the latest Contract: Full-Time, Ongoing until Summer Term Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:00p
Reference
AJB- PE- NEW
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£32,916 - 46,940 per year
Location free text
Basingstoke
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
Music
Location
Basingstoke
Description
Teacher of Music – BasingstokeJanuary 2027 Start | Full-Time | Long-Term OpportunityInspire the Next Generation Through MusicAre you a creative and enthusiastic Music Teacher who can inspire students
Reference
Music 102
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
+£50 Referral bonus
Location free text
Essex
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Essex
Description
Cover Supervisor / Unqualified Teacher Wickford | Billericay | Basildon | SouthendAre you looking for flexible work in local secondary schools? Whether you’re an experienced Cover Supervisor, an as
Reference
LMSUPPTESS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex PrimaryAuthor
Essex PrimarySalary
Paid to scale in long term roles
Location free text
Chelmsford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Chelmsford
Description
Fully Qualified Teacher (FQT) – EssexAre you a passionate and motivated Fully Qualified Teacher looking to kickstart your career in a supportive and dynamic school environment? We’re looking for enthu
Reference
LMFQTTSOU
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex PrimaryAuthor
Essex PrimarySalary
£18,525 - 19,000 per year + +£50 Referral bonus
Location free text
Essex
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Essex
Description
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Essex Secondary Schools We are currently recruiting experienced Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to support a range of schools across Essex. This is a fantastic o
Reference
LSASENDESSEX
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex PrimaryAuthor
Essex PrimarySalary
£100 - 250 per day
Location free text
Grays
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Essex
Description
Job Title: Maths Teacher – Open to ECTs and Experienced Educators Setting: Mainstream Secondary School Location: Grays, Essex Contract Type: Permanent Start Date: September 2025 Rate of Pay: MPS/UPS (
Reference
LMMATHSGRAYS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex PrimaryAuthor
Essex PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job