Are GCSEs Important? Here’s What The Research Says

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

28 June 2025

Contents

There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to GCSEs. Some say they’re outdated and too stressful; others argue they’re essential for opening doors later in life. But if you’re faced with exam season, worrying about missed marks or what bad grades might mean for your future, you probably just want clear answers.

In this article, we look at what the research actually says about the role GCSEs play in shaping your education, career prospects, and wellbeing. You’ll also find out what happens if things don’t go to plan, and why your results don’t have to define your future.

Study #1: GCSE Results Predict Young Adult Wellbeing & Careers (2024, York & Leeds)

A 2024 study from the universities of York and Leeds tracked the outcomes of UK students up to age 23, exploring the link between GCSE grades and future life chances.

The researchers found that better GCSE results were strongly associated with more prestigious careers, higher income, and improved wellbeing, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In other words, strong GCSE performance can be a powerful springboard for upward social mobility.

Study #2: GCSE Grade Improvements Are Linked to Higher Income

A separate study by the Department for Education used Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data from over 2 million people. It found that raising your GCSE grade by just one subject could boost lifetime earnings by around £23,000.

Study #3: GCSEs Are Key Predictors of University Entry

A 2022 report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, in partnership with the Department for Education, highlighted that GCSE grades in English and Maths are the strongest predictors of university entry and student loan eligibility.

Yet, around 40% of students fail to achieve a grade 4 (equivalent to a C) in these core subjects—something that significantly limits options for further study and professional development.

Impact of GCSEs on College / Sixth Form

Tom Arrand, head of Cardiff Sixth Form College, supports these findings, arguing that GCSEs form the foundation for A Level success and future university study. He explains that both core and additional GCSE subjects help develop academic writing, communication, and critical thinking skills: “Universities look more and more to GCSEs as a strong benchmark of an all‑round education and evidence of intellectual acumen.”

Similarly, Richard Brown, headteacher at Urswick School, shared his perspective in a June 2025 Guardian article on the future of GCSEs: “Personally I would not get rid of GCSEs. They are such a powerful brand, and children do thrive on the challenge of them.”

Brown added that GCSEs are "an outcomes‑driven business", and using them helps instil grit and resilience in students as they face challenging exams.

Impact of GCSEs on University

The IFS findings are backed up by actual university admissions practices. While A-levels or other Level 3 qualifications are the main criteria, GCSEs still carry weight, even at top institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.

Universities view strong GCSE results as evidence of consistent academic performance, a key indicator that you're ready for the demands of a degree course.

Impact of GCSEs on Career

Although GCSEs clearly influence academic pathways, they’re not the only pathway to future career goals. Industry leader Nicholas Brosnan, Managing Director of Proactive Young People CIC, has successfully guided thousands of students towards career paths and training opportunities. He comments: “GCSEs are not the be-all and end-all of a young person’s future. Success is rarely defined by exam results alone.

“Through my own work as a work experience provider, work-related learning specialist and vocational qualification deliverer, I have met many individuals who left school with few or poor GCSE grades, yet have gone on to thrive as entrepreneurs, skilled tradespeople, chefs, and in countless other careers.

“There are multiple pathways to success, and qualities such as resilience, creativity, determination, and a willingness to learn often prove just as valuable as formal qualifications. It is vital that young people understand the importance of GCSEs, but also recognise that setbacks at this stage do not define their potential or limit their future opportunities.”

So, Are GCSEs Important?

In short: yes. GCSEs are undeniably important, but not everything hinges on them.

GCSEs are a strong foundation for your future, influencing what you can study next, which university you might attend, and even how much you could earn in your lifetime. But if things don’t go to plan, it’s not the end of the road. There are many pathways to future success.

As a teacher, I’ve worked with students who had to retake subjects or change course entirely. They all had one thing in common: they built resilience and determination along the way.

So, while GCSEs are important, they don’t define your whole story.

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