Students across Wales are collecting their GCSE results today, with the percentage of pupils achieving top A* grades rising slightly while the overall pass rate has dipped marginally.
Results Day in Wales
There have been jubilant scenes at schools around Wales as pupils receive their grades. Among those celebrating is Anamay Bannerjee, 16, at Llanishen High, who has achieved 14 A*s at GCSE and a distinction.
Students have been collecting their GCSE grades since 8am. Those who completed alternative qualifications, such as BTEC First, Technical and Tech Awards, are also receiving their results at the same time.
Grading Systems Explained
In Wales, GCSEs are still graded A* to G, while in England exams are now ranked using a numerical grading system ranging from 9 to 1, with 9 representing the highest achievable grade. A grade 7 or above is broadly equivalent to an A or above, while a grade 4 or above — deemed a "standard pass" — is broadly equivalent to a C or above.
Grade Boundaries by Exam Board
All exam boards have now published the grade boundaries for 2026. The GCSE grade boundaries for summer 2026 exams from WJEC are available now. For OCR, the grade boundaries for June 2026 exams will be released at 8am on Thursday, August 21. CCEA's GCSE grade boundaries for summer 2026 exams are available now.
For Pearson Edexcel, the grade boundaries for GCSE, BTEC Tech Awards, BTEC Firsts and other Level 1 and 2 qualifications are available at 8am on Thursday, August 20. AQA's GCSE grade boundaries are also available at 8am on Thursday, August 20.
