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Bailiwick grades were lower overall at Level 2 this year but that was expected and ESC has said students should not directly compare their results with those of the last few years
It's been widely reported that all external exams were to be marked in a way to bring the results in line with those of 2019 and earlier.
Education, Sport and Culture said: "As expected, and predicted in national media reports recently, the overall grades are lower than in recent years. This is in line with the national trend in England where following three years of higher grades, exam regulators have sought to return grades to pre-pandemic 2019 levels."
As no public exams took place in 2020 or 2021, a more generous grading system was used during 2022 to allow for a transition from the pandemic era to the post pandemic era.
Data from last year saw grades at an average rate higher than would have been expected so this year that was reversed with grades brought back in line with 2019.
Above: The Bailiwick average, the States schools average and the England national average achievements for comparison.
ESC said overall students achieved "a good set of qualifications considering the challenging circumstances they have faced in recent years".
Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said they should all have celebrated their personal successes.
“After years of studying at secondary school, Level 2 and GCSE results day is a day to celebrate for students who can finally see the outcome of all their hard work.
"(These) results reflect the effort those students put in, and their resilience to overcome hard circumstances in which they have been preparing for their exams. On behalf of the Committee, I would like to offer my congratulations to everyone who has opened their envelopes today. Recent years have not been the easiest for students preparing for exams, however this cohort have once again persevered and have a set of results they, and their parents and carers, can be very proud of.
"Well done to everyone and best of luck to them in choosing what their next step on their education journey is.”
Liz Coffey, Executive Principal of the Secondary School Partnership, echoed that congratulations.
“Congratulations to our students who have completed their Key Stage 4 studies and gained the qualifications that will help them to the next stage of their career. Well done for your hard work. Thanks also to the staff across our schools who have supported the students through a secondary school career that has included significant disruption to their learning as a result of the pandemic.”
Above: The Attainment 8 levels for the bailiwick's States run schools, the bailiwick as a whole and England are provided for comparison.
The way GCSE grades are reported has also changed this year with ESC adopting the Attainment 8 system used in England and Wales.
ESC said this will mean schools can ensure that Level 2 results are comparable with neighbouring jurisdictions.
Attainment 8 evaluates a student’s average grade across eight subjects including English and maths. This indicator is designed to ensure that schools offer a broad, well-balanced curriculum.
ESC said that broadening the focus to attainment in eight subjects rather than in five, as in previous years, means schools are incentivised to ensure all students achieve the highest possible grades, rather than creating a disproportionate focus on those who attain grades at the 3/4 borderline.
Above: The States schools achievement levels this year.
2023 also marks the last year of selective education in Guernsey with the final cohort of students streamed by the 11+ leaving compulsory education.
From September, the former Grammar School will be renamed Les Varendes High School and will be fully comprehensive alongside Les Beaucamps, and St Sampson's High.
La Mare de Carteret is due to close fully in 2025 when its final comprehensive students sit their GCSEs and move on to employment or further education.
Final Grammar students collect exam results
Covid disruption "undoubtedly" a factor in GCSE results
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