i think i did two gcses in year ten. it was an absolute step into the unknown. it s been strange learning during the pandemic, being, like, partially online and partially in college. i m happy that it s still gone 0k. grades have been deliberately lowered this year to bring them closer to pre pandemic standards, after teacher assessed grades the past two years. the rules have been the same for everyone, they have been treated equally to their peers around the country. and if they re thinking about university, or a course as their next step, universities understood what was going to be happening with grading this year and they took that into consideration when making offers. this year, just over 65% of students secured a place at their preferred university, a drop from just under 73% last year but a slight increase on 2019 when pupils at last sat public exams when pupils last sat public exams atjust above 64%. and for those who didn t get a place