How Hard Are GCSEs?

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

3 August 2025

Contents

If you’re starting Year 10 or 11, it’s completely normal to wonder how hard GCSEs really are. Maybe you’ve seen friends or older siblings revising for months. Maybe you’ve picked up the pressure from school, or just feel a bit unsure about what’s coming.

Here’s what we want you to know: GCSEs are a step up, but they’re not unmanageable. They’re designed to be challenging, yes, but also to be doable with the right support and approach.

In this guide, we’ll break things down clearly. You’ll get a real sense of what makes GCSEs feel tricky, what’s changed over the years, and what you can do to stay in control and make steady progress.

What The Data Says

When something feels big or uncertain, it helps to ground yourself in facts. The numbers around GCSEs might not tell the full story, but they do offer some useful perspective.

In summer 2024, (opens in a new tab)67.6% of GCSE students achieved a grade 4 or above (opens in a new tab), which is considered a standard pass. That means two out of every three students passed.

Grade boundaries vary between subjects and exam boards, but typically range from around 40-50% of total marks for a grade 4 pass. For example, (opens in a new tab)Edexcel required 77 out of 160 marks (48%) for a pass in 2022 (opens in a new tab), whilst (opens in a new tab)OCR needed 67 out of 160 marks (42%) (opens in a new tab).

This shows something important. GCSEs do require effort, but you don’t need to get everything right to succeed. You just need a clear plan and steady progress.

What Makes GCSEs Seem Hard?

GCSEs can feel challenging, and that’s completely normal. They introduce you to a whole range of new skills, which can take a bit of getting used to.

Volume of content. Each GCSE subject covers two years' worth of material. From photosynthesis in Biology to quadratic equations in Maths, there's simply a lot to learn and remember. But don’t worry, it’s all taught gradually.
Exam pressure. Exams do count for a lot, and as a result, can naturally bring some pressure. In fact, our survey found that 85% of UK students experience exam anxiety. But with practice and planning, you can feel confident walking into that exam hall.
The subject switching. Most students take 8-10 different GCSEs. Switching between several subjects like English, Chemistry and French takes skill, but you’ll improve over time.
Independent revision. For many students, GCSEs are the first time they’re expected to manage their own revision. Learning how to revise independently is a skill in itself, and support is always available to help you build it
Future worries. GCSEs are your first major qualification, and it’s natural to worry about what your results might mean for your future. But remember, they’re just one part of your journey. Your future holds many routes to success, and you’re not expected to have it all figured out yet.

And just to say, I still remember revising for my GCSEs and constantly second-guessing whether I was doing it “right.” It always felt like everyone else was flying ahead while I was trying to get my notes in order. What made the difference for me was stopping the comparisons and focusing on my own pace. Bit by bit, things started to stick.

Remember, feeling challenged doesn't mean you can't succeed. These pressures are normal parts of the GCSE experience that every student faces.

How the New 9–1 GCSEs Changed Difficulty Levels

GCSEs haven’t always looked like this. In 2017, the grading system changed (opens in a new tab) from A*–G to 9–1, and with it came a shift in how the exams work and feel.

Here’s what changed:

Less coursework. Most subjects are now assessed almost entirely by final exams. Coursework is only used when it’s essential to test practical skills, like in Art or Design & Technology.
More challenging content. The government and exam boards introduced more demanding content, particularly in core subjects like English, Maths, and Science. The aim was to challenge students and bring the UK in line with high-performing education systems worldwide.
End-of-course exams. There are no more modules or early assessments. GCSEs are now linear, meaning everything is tested at the end of Year 11.
Higher grade boundaries. Grades now range from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest). A 4 is the standard pass, roughly the same as the old Grade C. Grade 9 is reserved for exceptional performance, sitting above the old A*.

These changes mean students need strong revision habits, solid exam technique, and a long-term mindset. But perfection isn’t the goal. National results (opens in a new tab) show that with consistent effort and the right approach, success is well within reach.

Which GCSE Subjects Do Students Find the Hardest?

Every student’s experience is different, but these subjects often crop up as more demanding. Typically, for reasons like content load, exam style, or the way your brain learns. And that’s okay.

In 2024 (opens in a new tab), the subjects with the lowest percentages of Grade 9s included:

Subject	Percentage (%) of 9s in 2024
Combine Science/Double Science	1
English Language	2
Maths	3
English Literature	4
Food Preparation & Nutrition	4
Psychology	4
Sociology	4
Business Studies	4
PE	4
Geography	5
History	6

This doesn’t mean those subjects are ‘too hard’. It simply reflects the nature of their challenges:

Maths requires abstract thinking. Problem-solving and layered concepts can be tough to master without regular practice.
Combined sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) involve a heavy mix of theory, equations and precise knowledge.
English language and literature require deep analysis, essay writing under time pressure, and strong recall of texts.

However, "difficult" is completely subjective. One student’s toughest subject might be another’s strongest. What matters most is how you approach it.

The key is to play to your strengths, stay consistent, and use the support available. Every GCSE is achievable with the right strategy.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our guide to the hardest GCSE subjects.

Are GCSEs Getting Harder Every Year?

It’s true that GCSEs have changed. There’s more demanding content, less coursework, and a stronger focus on end-of-course exams. These reforms were introduced to raise standards and align the UK system with high-performing countries around the world.

But harder doesn’t mean unachievable.

Since the 9–1 grading system was introduced in 2017, student outcomes have remained strong. In fact, the proportion of GCSE entries awarded a Grade 4 or higher has consistently stayed above 2017 levels (opens in a new tab). In 2024, 68.2% of entries achieved a standard pass or better.

And while expectations have risen, so has the support. Teachers are now better prepared to deliver the updated content. Revision tools are sharper and more focused. And online platforms like Save My Exams offer expert resources to guide you every step of the way, such as:

So yes, the bar has been raised. But with the right tools and mindset, you’re more than capable of meeting the challenge.

How to Manage the Challenges of GCSEs

Start Revising Early and Consistently

The earlier you start, the easier it becomes.

You don’t need to revise for hours a day in Year 10, but building regular study habits early on gives you a serious advantage. Just a small amount of revision per subject each week can help lock in key concepts and reduce stress later.

You might find it helpful to:

Set a weekly routine: something you can stick to alongside school and hobbies.
Use short sessions: 20–30 minutes is plenty to start with.
Mix it up: switch between subjects to keep things fresh.
Track what you’ve covered: a simple checklist can help you feel progress.
Be flexible: some weeks will be busy, and that’s okay. Just pick it back up when you can.

Cramming the night before an exam won’t give your brain the time it needs to absorb and organise information. What works far better is low-pressure, consistent revision spread over months. That way, when the big exams arrive, much of the heavy lifting is already done.

Read more about how to prepare for GCSEs in Year 10.

Use Active Revision Techniques

Reading through your notes is a helpful start, but to really remember things and feel confident in the exam room, it helps to be more hands-on.

Active revision means getting involved with what you're learning. Using it, testing it, and exploring it in different ways. That’s what helps it stick. In fact, research shows that testing yourself on information (rather than just rereading it) helps you remember it much better over time (opens in a new tab).

Here are some tried-and-tested techniques that many students find useful:

Practice questions: Work through past papers to get used to how questions are worded and what they expect
Flashcards: A great way to keep key terms, formulas, and definitions at your fingertips
Self-quizzing: Cover your notes and try recalling key points, it helps you spot what needs more work
Teaching others: Explaining topics to a friend or family member can really deepen your understanding
Mind maps: Draw out the big picture by linking ideas and themes visually

These small steps build real confidence. They help you go beyond recognising information to truly understanding and remembering it, which is exactly what examiners are looking for.

For more ideas, read our guide on the best revision techniques.

Look After Your Wellbeing During GCSEs

Sometimes, what makes GCSEs feel difficult isn’t just the subjects themselves, it’s everything that comes with them. That’s why taking care of your wellbeing is a smart part of your revision strategy.

When you feel steady and supported, it’s much easier to stay focused and make progress.

Here are a few ways to keep that balance:

Get enough sleep: Your brain does important memory work while you rest. Aim for 8–9 hours a night.
Take regular breaks: Short bursts of study with planned pauses can keep your energy up. Try 30 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
Move around: Even a walk or stretch can help you reset and feel more alert.
Make time for things you enjoy: Hobbies aren’t distractions, they help you recharge and stay motivated.
Talk to someone: If things feel heavy, speaking to a parent, teacher or friend can really help.

GCSEs can be intense, but with a little care for yourself along the way, you’ll be much better placed to take them in your stride.

For extra strategies on managing stress, check out our exam anxiety relief kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are GCSEs Harder Than IGCSEs?

Not necessarily. GCSEs and IGCSEs cover similar topics and demand the same level of understanding. The main difference is in how they're assessed.

IGCSEs often include more coursework and have fewer restrictions on materials in exams. GCSEs focus more heavily on final written exams. Neither is easier, it really depends on how you learn best and what kind of assessment suits you.

How Can I Make GCSEs Feel Less Overwhelming?

GCSEs can feel like a lot, but there are simple ways to make the workload more manageable:

Break subjects into smaller topics.
Focus on one thing at a time.
Set clear, realistic goals for each week.
Use a checklist or planner to track progress.
Celebrate small wins. They add up!

Remember, you’ve got time. Little and often is what gets you through, not last-minute marathons.

Final Thoughts

Yes, GCSEs can feel challenging, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach.

Many students go on to achieve their goals each year. And let's remember, in 2024, nearly (opens in a new tab)68% (opens in a new tab) of GCSE entries were awarded a Grade 4 or higher (opens in a new tab). That’s proof that with the right preparation, success is absolutely possible.

How tough they feel often depends on your preparation, how you revise, and how well you look after yourself along the way.

Success doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly. It comes from starting early, staying consistent, and using the help that’s available to you.

Keep going, ask for support when you need it, and take things one step at a time. You’ve got everything it takes to do well, and more than you might realise.