New GCSE grades are ‘gibberish’

EMPLOYERS have warned that new numerical GCSE grades look like ‘gibberish’.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) said bosses may be confused by the 1-9 system and instead favour candidates with grades marked A* to G.

Seamus Nevin of the IoD said: ‘They might think, “What is this gibberish and what does it mean and how has it changed from previous grading systems?”’ A Department for Education spokesman said almost two-thirds of employers were aware of the new grading method.

Pupils will be awarded numerical grades in English literature, language and maths from Thursday.