Rejected petition: Recognise Grade 3 in GCSE English and Maths as a Standard Pass
Rejected on
• Classify Grade 3 as a standard pass, or
• Introduce a dual recognition system where Grade 3 is accepted as a functional pass for work and vocational routes.
Recognising Grade 3 as a pass — particularly for employment and vocational routes — would create a fairer system that supports different learning paths while still allowing higher grades to remain the benchmark for academic progression.
This change would help reduce pressure on students and colleges, improve wellbeing, and remove barriers that prevent young people from moving forward in education or work.
Why was this petition rejected?
It’s not clear what the petition is asking the UK Government or Parliament to do.
We are not clear about the action that you are seeking, as the Government is not responsible for the grade sought by employers. This is something which is up to each employer.
More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gcse-9-to-1-grade-scale-explained/gcse-9-to-1-grade-scale-explained
We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.