Early entry GCSE candidates: Do they perform to their potential?

Abstract

A large and increasing number of candidates are certificating for GCSEs at a younger age than scheduled. The scrapping of KS3 tests means schools can now start teaching some GCSE subjects in year 9 and subsequently enter candidates at the end of year 10, or in the winter sessions of year 11. One possible reason for early certification is that candidates can 'bank' a grade in the subject allowing more time in year 11 to concentrate on other subjects. The concern is that many of these candidates are not reaching their potential in the subject because they certificate before they are ready. Furthermore, candidates who certificate early usually then have a break in studying the subject, meaning that they may lose interest or feel less confident that they are prepared for further study (e.g., A levels). Those students who do go on to take the A level in the subject may struggle because of this break. This research explores the extent of early certification, GCSE performance based on certification session and participation and performance in the same (or similar) subject at A level. We found a big increase in early entry for Maths and English GCSE, with early entry students in these subjects less likely to achieve a grade A or better. However, there was no evidence that early entry students were less likely to go on to take an A level in the subject or that they performed less well at A level.