Recognise Grade 3 in GCSE English and Maths as a Standard Pass

Rejected 9 signatures

What the petition asks

• 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 it was rejected

It was not clear what the petition asked 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

Timeline

4 Mar 2026	Petition opened for signatures
9 Apr 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 9

Status Rejected

Department Department for Education

Rejected 9 Apr 2026

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