Congratulations from Prime Minister with maths excellence on rise as 1,000s achieve high GCSEs on results day

Hundreds of thousands of pupils across the country are celebrating today after receiving their GCSE and Level 1 and 2 vocational and technical qualification results, with mathematics emerging as a standout success story.

Overall GCSE outcomes improved, with the proportion of 16-year-olds achieving grade 4 or above rising by 0.2 percentage points. More than 6,000 additional 16-year-olds achieved grade 7 and above in maths this year, described as the largest ever uptick in standards.

The results also show academic and technical qualifications continuing to work hand in hand, following the government’s commitment to put both routes on an equal footing.

There were 7,965 more Technical Award Level 2 passes compared with last year, while the North West and Yorkshire and Humber recorded the highest take-up. There were 55,230 certifications in the North West and 52,480 in Yorkshire and Humber, with the latter recording the biggest increase, at 2,120 more certifications than last year.

Students will now consider their next steps, including A levels, T Levels and other vocational and technical courses. From next year, students will be able to study V Levels alongside expanded T Levels and fully-funded apprenticeships for the under-25s. New pathways will also provide 14-year-olds with early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers the year after.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "Congratulations to everyone collecting their results today, you should be proud of the hard work that got you here. Whether the next step is sixth form, a college course, an apprenticeship, a T Level, work, or something else entirely, we’re ensuring that there are more opportunities than ever to choose your own path to get on in life.

“I’m determined to bring back hope and give every young person the chance to fulfil their potential.”

Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, said: "Massive congratulations to everyone collecting their results today – be proud of what it took to get here, and thank you to the teachers and families who backed you every step of the way.

"More of you are hitting top grades in maths, and technical pass rates are climbing in every region. That’s proof there is no wrong door, only different routes that suit everyone’s individual ambition.

"But there’s more to do to put academic and technical qualifications on an equal footing, so we’re introducing V Levels and expanding T Levels and apprenticeships, so wherever you’re headed next, there’s a path that works for you.”

The government has also outlined plans to tackle persistent inequalities and end what it describes as the “resit treadmill”.

Results show 17–19-year-old attainment has fallen in English to 18.8% and maths to 13.6%. New preparatory Level 1 qualifications are planned to provide essential knowledge and skills before students resit English or maths GCSE, alongside changes to performance measures so pupils should only be entered for exams when they are ready.

Regional gaps remain, although the gender gap is beginning to narrow, with reductions of 0.2 percentage points at both grade 4+ and grade 7+.

The government said it is targeting support at areas where it is most needed, including through Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence teams, 93 new Attendance and Behaviour Hubs, Mission North East and Mission Coastal.

The measures form part of a wider programme to break down barriers to opportunity, including £4 billion of investment to transform the SEND system, Best Start Family Hubs and childcare, free school meals, free breakfast clubs and the end of the two-child benefit cap.