‘Boost GCSE low-graders’

POORER-performing pupils will get a “demoralising message” from the new GCSE grades out today, head teachers warned.

While grades 7 to 9 now replace As and A*s, the tougher tests will penalise those below the pass level 4, said heads’ body ASCL.

They said they had done “demanding programmes of study”, adding: “We need to find a better way to credit their achievements.”