GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, which is an academic qualification taken in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. GCSEs are usually taken by students aged 14-16 and are equivalent to the American high school diploma. GCSE grades are important as they are the first objective evidence of a students knowledge level and academic ability, and they play a significant role in their educational and professional journey post-school.

GCSE grades in England run on a scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest. The highest grade a student can get is a 9, and the lowest is a 1. The old GCSE grading system that awarded students letter grades from A* to G has been replaced by the numerical system. A grade of 5 is considered a "strong pass," which is equivalent to a grade B and C in the old grading system, while a grade of 4 is a "standard pass," which is equivalent to a grade C in the old grading system.

GCSE students are assessed at the end of most courses with a final exam, and they receive a final number grade based on how they perform in this assessment. GCSE results are published by the examination board in August, for the previous exam series in April to June of the same year. The examination results are released to centers (schools) prior to the release to candidates and the public.

In summary, GCSE results are the grades that students receive after taking an academic qualification in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The grades are important as they are the first objective evidence of a students knowledge level and academic ability, and they play a significant role in their educational and professional journey post-school. The grading system in England runs on a scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest.