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18 September 2026

English and maths pass rates only tell half the story

Measuring ‘value added’ alongside pass rates would give a fairer picture of FE's impact on English and maths
Jordan James Guest Contributor

Director of English and Maths, SGS College

4 min read
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Following another fall in post-16 English and maths pass rates, it is understandable that the spotlight is falling on GCSE resits.

This summer, just 15.3 per cent of post-16 maths entries and 19.8 per cent of English language entries achieved grade 4 or above. More worryingly, only around one in ten maths entries from 18- and 19-year-olds achieved the grade 4 gateway.

I do not believe the problem lies solely with GCSE resits. I remain a strong supporter of them. GCSEs are important, widely recognised qualifications. For many learners, another year of focused teaching, often in a different environment, can secure the grade required and open new opportunities.

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