’Good’ GCSE grades are vital for educational outcomes but barely impact wellbeing

Child writing - Students who achieve a D or grade 3 in GCSE maths are less likely to take A-levels or get a degree than those who got a C or grade 4, but there is little evidence it will make a difference to their overall life satisfaction at age 20, according to new research from UCL. The peer-reviewed study, published by the British Journal of Educational Studies today, used data from the Next Steps Study* to track the educational, labour market and socio-emotional outcomes of millennials who achieved D and C grades in mathematics through to age 26. Professor John Jerrim (UCL Social Research Institute) said: "In England, failing to achieve a 'good pass' (C/4 grade) in key subjects is thought to have serious negative implications. GCSEs can seem the be-all and end-all of life to secondary school pupils, with many young people putting themselves under pressure to do well in their exams. "While many will get the grades they hope for, some will inevitably end up feeling disappointed and we wanted to find out how much not getting a C or 4 grade really matters." Professor Jerrim looked at comparable C and D grade pupils from similar demographic backgrounds with similar Key Stage 2 and 3 scores and who had similar GCSE subjects. The study showed that pupils obtaining a C in maths were more likely to progress further in education and obtain more qualifications. For example, those who gained a C had a 32% chance of holding a degree by age 26, compared to a 22% chance for those with a D. There was also some tentative evidence of lasting labour market effects, with those obtaining a D in maths more likely not to be in education, employment and training (NEET) at age 26 than comparable pupils with a grade C (21% versus 10%).