22/8/2024

Thousands of Cardiff's pupils have today received their GCSE results with outcomes in A* - C grades, above the Welsh average.

In Cardiff, based on the provisionalWJEC GCSEresults announced today, 26 percent of GCSE results for 2024 are graded A* to A, compared to the Wales figure of 19.2 percent. 

The percentage of GCSE entries in Cardiff resulting in A* - C grades is 67.4% compared to the Wales figure of 62.2%. 96.1% of GCSE examinations are graded A*-G, compared to 96.6% across Wales.

In a similar picture across Wales, outcomes are higher than 2019 but lower than 2023 when there were additional measures put in place.

Summer 2024 represents the final step in transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements in the Wales qualification system. The policy aim was to return broadly to pre-pandemic outcomes in Made-for-Wales GCSEs, AS and A-levels and Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications.

There has been no advance notice provided for learners and no adaptations made to assessments.

Both WJEC and Made-for-Wales vocational qualifications have been awarded in line with pre-pandemic arrangements.

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "I would like to congratulate all of Cardiff's pupils, on behalf of the Local Authority, who have today received their GCSE results.

"It is unbelievable to think that these pupils were just at the beginning of their secondary school education when the pandemic began and have continued to show determination and resilience throughout. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and I would like to wish them the very best of luck as they begin a new chapter of their lives, whether they are moving onto university, employment or training.

"It is pleasing to see that performance across the city has again continued to rise and in particular, that Cardiff outcomes are significantlyabove the Welsh average for A* - A grades.

Cllr Merry added: "I would also like to thank the city's schools, teachers and staff for the dedication and support, in helping pupils reach their potential and preparing them for their future.

"For any pupils unsure about their next steps, a wealth of information on education, employment, training and other opportunities is available on the What's Next platformwww.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk "

What's Next is an online platform for 16 to 24-year-olds that pulls together useful information all in one place that will help young people decide their next steps, making it quicker and easier to find out about available options for the future.

The platform has developed by the Cardiff Commitment - the Council initiative that brings together the public, private and third sectors in partnership, with schools and education providers, to connect children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available in education, training and the world of work. 

The site includes information about continuing in full time education, internship, traineeship and volunteering opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships and even information on starting a new business. For more information please visit:www.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk 

*The statistics are provisional and based onWJEC GCE GCSE results only.

As in previous years, the WJEC are not releasing all Wales figures for WJEC results only. All Wales figures for all boards are, however, being made available. Since the WJEC does not release the all boards figures by LA or by school, it is not now possible to make any valid comparisons of LA figures against national trends.