Here’s some advice if you haven’t achieved a grade four or above in maths, English or both on GCSE results day. While grades three and below aren’t fail grades, a grade four in these subjects is often seen as a target, and is required to progress into some study pathways.

First of all: you are not alone. Each year around 200,000 pupils in England find themselves in this situation.

Here is some idea of your options and things to think about as you plan your next steps, perhaps taking a different path to the one you had in mind.

You may be able to retake these exams in November 2026. Almost a quarter of pupils sitting Maths and English GCSE last year were re-taking. However, there is concern over lower pass rates for retakes.

Speak to the leaders of post-16 courses you had planned to take, such as A-levels or T-levels. They may allow you to do retakes while continuing your original plans.

On the other hand, this may be an opportunity to rethink your post-16 path. Here are some of the options that are available to you – and the maths and English qualifications that they require. If you haven’t got a grade four or above at GCSE, you will need to continue with maths and English, but not necessarily through retaking your GCSEs.

Most sixth forms and colleges require grade four or above in........

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