What are the Hardest GCSEs? Should You Avoid or Embrace Them?

How difficult are the GCSEs compared to other countries curriculum?

A few years back, Ofqual research indicated that some GCSEs were easier than the curriculum followed in other countries at the equivalent level. For this reason, new Maths and English GCSEs were implemented over a transition period of 2017 to 2019 and it’s now more difficult to pass them.

This is good and bad for you. On one hand, it makes the GCSEs more competitive and aligned to top-performing countries. On the other hand, it will take a little more work to do well. We know you can do it though. 💪

How hard are GCSEs compared to AP?

Advanced Placements (AP) is a programme in the US that is equivalent to A Levels. This makes GCSEs easier as they are the stage before A Levels. 

Are American SATs harder than GCSEs?

SAT subject tests are harder than GCSE tests because they’re used to get into American universities and colleges. However, many argue that the SATs are too easy because they’re only one hour long and made up of multiple-choice questions. Either way, your focus should be on which GCSEs to pick so let’s get back to work and find out what are the hardest GCSE subjects?

What are the top 10 hardest GCSEs?

The hardest GCSE subject was decided to be Further Maths by a consensus of students. This may not come as a surprise to you, or you could be sitting there thinking “really?!”. You need to remember that what one teen considers difficult is going to be easy for another and vice versa. 

Don’t let this put you off taking a subject if you are interested in it or need it later in life.  Another example is English Literature, which is the most difficult subject in humanities. It ranks fourth but if you love the subject you’re going to be enthralled and studying won’t seem like a chore. So, without further ado, let’s look at the hardest GCSE subjects:

1. Further Maths
2. Chemistry
3. Physics
4. English Literature
5. Maths
6. Computer Science
7. Economics
8. Biology
9. English Language
10. Modern Foreign Languages

If you find you need help with any of your GCSEs as is common among students, or you just want to get the best grades possible, you should consider getting a private tutor. At GoStudent, we have qualified tutors who cover every GCSE and will be able to give you exam advice and improve your knowledge. 

What is the hardest GCSE to pass?

The hardest GCSE to pass is Double Science with 58.1 percent of students getting a four or lower in 2021. Just 1.5 percent of students received a nine in Double Science. 

Now you know what's the hardest GCSE subject, let’s find out which is the easiest. 💫

Which GCSE is the easiest?

The British Exams lists the easiest GCSEs as reported by students to be:

1. Geography
2. Film Studies
3. Religious Studies

While Geography is perceived to be the easiest, it’s certainly not the case if you’re looking to get good grades easily. We took data from the Schools Week site for various subjects over the previous three years. Below is the total percentage of students who received a grade seven, eight, or nine.

As you can see, Geography actually ranks below Physics, Chemistry and Biology. It’s also nearly as hard to get a seven, eight, or nine in the subject as it is in Maths too. 

How hard is it to get a 9 in GCSE?

Getting a nine in your GCSEs is considered to be difficult. In fact, just five percent manage to achieve this. In order to have the best chance of a good grade, you should pick subjects that interest you (even if they’re considered hard) so you can enjoy your time at school. 🤗

Remember, the next step is A Levels if you plan to continue studying. The subjects will only get more challenging so if you pick one because your friends are doing it or because it’s ‘easy’ (and that reason only) you’re more likely to struggle, especially when it comes to revising. 

If you need support with your studying, we have online tutors ready to help you from the comfort of your own home. Each class will be tailored to your learning objectives so every second will count. You can try a 50-minute class for free to see just how much it can do for you. Good luck with all your GCSEs and don’t worry, you’ve got this!