24/8/2023

Based on the provisional results announced today, 29.3% percent of GCSE results for 2023 are graded A* to A in WJEC examinations, compared to the Wales figure of 21.7% percent.

The percentage of GCSE entries resulting in C grades is 70.9% percent, which is above the Wales figure of 64.9% percent.

For entries graded A* to G, the 2023 figure for Cardiff is 97% percent, compared to the Wales figure of 96.9%. Cardiff saw more than 33,000 entries for WJEC GCSE's this year.

The national picture across Wales is that results fall broadly midway between those awarded in 2019 and 2022.  This means, for each subject, results at national level are higher than they were in 2019, and lower than they were in 2022 where additional measures were put in place. Results are not comparable to previous years.

This year marks the second year that learners have completed formal exams and assessments since 2019, moving towards the return of pre-pandemic examination arrangements. The WJEC has given consideration to the disruption learners have experienced when deciding grade boundaries and Qualifications Wales have confirmed a national approach to results rather than school-specific.

Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills said: "I would like to congratulate all of Cardiff pupils who are receiving their results today.

"As Cardiff and the rest of Wales gradually transition back to pre-pandemic grading, this is only the second year that formal exams and assessments have returned since the pandemic, it is important that this cohort are acknowledged for the way in which they continued to adapt, showing resilience and determination despite the challenges and disruption they may have faced during the last few years of school education.

"It is fantastic to see Cardiff's overall grades are above the Welsh average and to hear of so many stories of success from across the city.GCSE results day is a real milestone for our young people and I wish them the very best of luck for the future."

A wealth of information on education, employment, training and other opportunities is available all in one place for young people in Cardiff considering their next steps ahead of this week's exam results day.

What's Next is an online platform for 16 to 24-year-olds that pulls together useful information all in one place that will help young people decide their next steps, making it quicker and easier to find out about available options for the future.

The platform has been launched and developed by the Cardiff Commitment - the Council initiative that brings together the public, private and third sectors in partnership, with schools and education providers, to connect children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available in education, training and the world of work. 

The site includes information on going to college, university, preparing for work, internship, traineeship and volunteering opportunities, jobs and apprenticeships and even information on starting a new business. For more information please visit:www.cardiff.gov.uk/whatsnext