Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 18 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 November 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 February 2010 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

GCSE

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of students achieved five or more GCSEs at grade C or higher reckoned by (a) grades achieved in GCSE qualifications and (b) all grades achieved in GCSE qualifications and other accredited qualifications equivalent to a GCSE in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

Prior to 1997 the Department included only achievements in full course GCSEs in the five or more GCSEs at grade C or higher measure.

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more A*-C grades in:
	GCSEs only	GCSEs and equivalents
1990	34.5	—
1991	36.8	—
1992	38.3	—
1993	41.2	—
1994	43.3	—
1995	43.5	—
1996	44.5	—
1997	45.1	45.1
1998	46.2	46.3
1999	47.7	47.9
2000	48.8	49.2
2001	49.4	50.0
2002	50.2	51.6
2003	50.0	52.9
2004	51.2	53.7
2005	53.2	56.8
2006	53.9	59.0
2007	54.6	61.4
2008	56.7	65.3
2009	57.5	69.7
Notes:
1. Column headed GCSE only
Prior to 1997 is full course GCSEs
From 1997 onwards also includes GCSE short courses.
From 2004 onwards also includes vocational GCSE single and double awards.
2. Column headed GCSEs and equivalents
Includes everything in the GCSE only column—plus
From 1997 to 2003 GNVQs are counted as equivalents.
From 2004 onwards all accredited level 2 equivalents are counted as equivalents. A full list can be found here:
http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk
3. Figures from 2005 onwards relate to pupils at the end of key stage 4 in all schools.
Figures prior to 2005 relate to 15yearolds (age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August) in all schools.
Source:
Achievement and Attainment Table data

Secondary information