Have GCSE exams got easier?
Every year, we learn that higher numbers of children have gained 5 GCSEs or that there are more A-grades than ever before. Politicians and the odd Head Teacher come blinking into the light to say “no, it’s because of the wonderful educational policies of this government, the rising quality of teaching and the fact that kids are working harder than ever before (delete as appropriate). Of course the exams aren’t easier!”. Meanwhile the general public and anyone without a vested interest remain convinced that exams have got easier. The truth is that some GCSE exams are easier and some harder, but this hardly matters as far as results are concerned. Grades are entirely dependent on where grade boundaries are set. You can set the boundary between an A-grade and a B-grade at 99% so that almost no one gets an A-grade. Or you can set the boundary at 10% of the overall marks and, lo and behold, almost everyone gets an A-grade. It doesn’t mean the exams have got easier or harder. Decisions about
