Could adults today pass the GCSE maths exam?

Tackling the GCSE Challenge: Can Adults Measure Up to Today's Maths Exams?

As school leaders, teachers, and educators, the increasing challenge of GCSE exams is a pressing topic, not only for our students but for us as professionals guiding them through these academic hurdles. At Access Education, we understand that the landscape of education is evolving rapidly, and with it, the difficulty of crucial exams like GCSEs.

Recent reports highlight that more students are facing the daunting task of resitting their GCSEs, particularly in maths. In fact, after last summer’s results, a staggering 167,000 students in England received a grade three or below on their maths paper. The reality is that GCSEs are more challenging than ever before. Exam boards are incorporating more complex problem-solving and analytical questions, reflecting the demands of higher education and today’s competitive job market.

But this raises an interesting question: Could adults today pass the GCSE maths exam? It’s a thought-provoking idea that led Access Education to put adults to the test. We challenged individuals across the UK with a selection of difficult questions from past GCSE maths papers to see how they would fare.

3 minutes

by Emma Slater

Curriculum & Learning Expert

Posted 12/09/2024

Here are just a few examples of the questions posed:

What is the value of 3² + 4²?
What is the median of the following set of numbers: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11?
A farm has 30 cows and 80 sheep. If 15 cows and 58 sheep are sold, how many animals in total were sold?
If a bag contains 5 red balls and 3 blue balls, what is the probability of drawing a red ball at random?
If "a" is 10% more than "b", what is the ratio of "a" to "b"?

While these questions may seem manageable at first glance, many adults found them challenging. It serves as a reminder of just how far education standards have advanced and the growing expectations placed on our students.

Emma Slater, Senior Product Manager at Access Education, commented on this trend:

More students than ever are facing the challenge of resitting their GCSE exams – this underscores the increasing difficulty of today's exams. GCSE grades are not just a stepping stone to further education and career paths but can also impact students' overall wellbeing, social development, and confidence.

As educators, we know that these exams play a critical role in shaping the future of our students, and their impact goes far beyond the classroom. At Access Education, we are committed to supporting both educators and students in navigating this demanding environment. Our innovative tools, like Access GCSEPod, are designed to enhance learning by making revision more effective and engaging. These resources help educators tailor their teaching to meet the individual needs of students, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Our latest 2024 Knowledge Gap Report, which analysed GCSE results across the UK, provides valuable insights into where students are struggling the most. The report shows that an average of 27.9% of students had to resit their maths exams in 2023, with areas like Merseyside, Shropshire, and the West Midlands being particularly hard-hit.

These figures highlight the ongoing need for targeted support in our schools. Educational tools, like those provided by Access Education, are key in addressing these gaps. Short, engaging content bursts allow for easier learning retention, and adaptive teaching methods help students progress at their own pace. This can make a significant difference in closing the gap and boosting exam performance.

As we move towards the new academic year, it is crucial that we continue to innovate and provide the necessary support to both students and teachers. By leveraging technology and educational resources, we can help students overcome the barriers of these increasingly challenging exams and set them on the path to success.

For more insights and to explore how Access Education can support your school in preparing for the upcoming exams, head to our Curriculum & Assessment software.

Meet Emma, who is dedicated to supporting schools in their pursuit of digital learning excellence. 10 Years experience as a Lead Practitioner and Head of English in LEA and Trust run schools across SE London developed her passion for developing knowledge and skills rich curriculum. As a PiXL Associate working with 100’s of schools up and down the country and as an author of T&L resources for OUP, Collins and York Notes she gained a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education sector.

Her dedication to education led her to a pivotal role as Director of Education at Access GCSEPod, where she merged her love for education with her publishing experience to pioneer a values-driven approach to EdTech. Emma championed the cause of providing diverse and inclusive learning content that delivers a rich curriculum in a form that supports all pupils to learn succeed.

Now, at The Access Group, Emma brings her skills and experience in strategy, education, and product development to oversee the growth and delivery of innovative 'big ideas' that support the education sector. Her passion for supporting schools in their curriculum journey is deeply rooted in her extensive classroom experience.