Cardiff has announced its overall GCSE results for 2024, revealing that the city’s students have outperformed the Welsh average in key areas. Notably, over one in four students achieved the highest A*-A grades, surpassing the national average, although the overall pass rate was slightly below the average for Wales.
Following the trend set by Cardiff’s strong A-level results last week, more than 26% of GCSE grades in the city were A*-A, compared to the Welsh average of 19.2%. The A*-C pass rate in Cardiff was 67.4%, higher than the Welsh average of 62.2%. However, the overall A*-G pass rate in Cardiff was 96.1%, just below the national figure of 96.6%.
This year marked the first return to “normal” pre-Covid examination conditions, with traditional exams replacing the teacher-assessed grades and additional support measures used during the pandemic years. While Cardiff’s results are higher than in 2019, they are slightly lower than in 2023 when extra support was provided to help students cope with the lingering effects of Covid-19 disruptions.
Cllr Sarah Merry, Cardiff Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for education, praised the achievements of the city’s students, stating, “I would like to congratulate all of Cardiff’s pupils who received their GCSE results today. It is unbelievable to think that these pupils were just at the beginning of their secondary school education when the pandemic began and have continued to show determination and resilience throughout. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, and I wish them the very best of luck as they begin a new chapter of their lives, whether they are moving onto university, employment, or training.”
Cllr Merry also highlighted the city’s continued academic success, noting that Cardiff’s outcomes, particularly in A*-A grades, remain significantly above the Welsh average. She extended her gratitude to the schools, teachers, and staff for their dedication in supporting students and helping them reach their potential.
Cardiff’s strong performance in the 2024 GCSE results reinforces the city’s commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for future success.