Grade 10 to beat GCSE inflation? Ministers consider overhaul of exams marking as almost a third of entries are predicted to get top results today

Almost one in three GCSE entries will get top results today as ministers consider an overhaul to stop grade inflation.

A new top grade of 10 could be introduced to the current 1-9 system in future, to allow the very brightest students to shine.

A record 29 per cent of entries are expected to get at least a 7 – equivalent to the old A – and around 10 per cent will get a 9, which is a high A*. 

Ministers will examine changes to grading in the autumn to restore faith in the A-level and GCSE systems.

A new top grade of 10 could be introduced to the current 1-9 system in future, to allow the very brightest students to shine (stock image)

A government source said a new grade 10 was ‘possible’ and had not been ‘ruled out’. 

They added: ‘It’s a discussion that’s yet to be formally framed, but there will be conversations about changing the grading this autumn.’

It comes as half a million pupils collect their GCSE results this morning after exams were cancelled for a second year in a row due to the pandemic.

Teachers have decided the marks, meaning grading will be the most generous in recent history – leading to accusations of the qualifications being devalued.

However, last night Education Secretary Gavin Williamson defended the results, saying they had ‘value’ despite the grade inflatio

Education expert Alan Smithers, of the University of Buckingham said: ‘We have a scale that has lost its meaning as we have people continually being given 9. Adding a 10 isn’t a bad idea as it would be a good new label for outstanding performance.’

However, last night Education Secretary Gavin Williamson defended the results, saying they had ‘value’ despite the grade inflation. 

He said: ‘Students and their teachers should feel immensely proud of what they have achieved. I want to be clear – this is a moment to celebrate our young people and their futures.’