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Original poster

To wonder about CSEs v O Levels

234 replies

Bakance · 05/03/2023 18:43

My partner has a brother much older than him - my DP is youngest in large, working class, Irish Catholic family. No one in their family has passed ever gone on to higher education - none educated beyond GCSE level.
Partner's eldest brother did 6 CSE exams big absolutely no O-levels at all - would he have been considered below average academic ability ?

OP posts:
HowardKirksConscience · 05/03/2023 18:53

O levels were aimed at the top 20% academically. They were never meant to cater for everyone in education at age 16, hence the criticism of GCSEs as being ‘too easy’ when they were brought in to replace the two-tier system. This doesn’t mean that some weren’t put in the CSE stream incorrectly, of course.

Original poster
Bakance · 05/03/2023 18:52

Sorry but** not big in my original post

OP posts:
Original poster
Bakance · 05/03/2023 18:51

vodkaredbullgirl · 05/03/2023 18:48

God it's a long time ago since it changed. Depends what he got in his CSE's grade 1 is the same as a C in "O Level.

His bruv only ended up getting only one Grade 1 - and it wasn't Mathis it English

OP posts:
Bumply · 05/03/2023 18:51

Back in the 60s my two eldest siblings went to grammar school. The third sibling failed the 11+ and went to secondary school that only had CSEs available.
We think in hindsight that he had dyslexia, but managed to get top grades in CSEs which allowed him to go to technical college and her higher qualifications. He did eventually make it to Uni and then on to get a phd, so there was nothing limited in his intelligence. The education system at the time just made it harder for him to progress.

Reugny · 05/03/2023 18:48

It was a different era.

There was lots of class and racial discrimination so kids from certain backgrounds weren't expected to do well and made to do CSEs even if they later went on to do A levels and degrees. I have older siblings and friends who suffered being put along the CSE route.

Also depending on your age and background you could leave school with them and easily get a job with decent prospects.

vodkaredbullgirl · 05/03/2023 18:48

God it's a long time ago since it changed. Depends what he got in his CSE's grade 1 is the same as a C in "O Level.

NewChange · 05/03/2023 18:47

Yes because a CSE grade 1 was the highest grade and this was equivalent to a C at O level.

AbbyGal · 05/03/2023 18:46

I think so, my memory is that GCSE's were introduced as an alternative to O'Levels to ensure that everyone left school with some qualifications.

I maybe wrong, it was a long time ago!!

Original poster
Bakance · 05/03/2023 18:44

Sorry should say none has gone on to higher education or passed exams beyond GCSE level

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