What are the easiest and hardest GCSE subjects?

Whatever the level of qualification, whether a subject is ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ is subjective.

Much can depend on the individual student’s own level of interest, natural aptitude, or even who and how they’ve been taught. 

It’s also important to say that no GCSE is ‘easy’ and achieving top GCSE grades requires hard work and dedication.

That all said, each course has different elements which can make them feel easier or harder overall.

For example, subjects which include a lot of hands-on learning, coursework, and/or practical assessments are frequently cited by students for feeling easier than those which place a large emphasis on a single, time-pressured, written exam.

Individual learning styles also have an effect here, as tangible subjects which include coursework like Art, Design Technology and Music, can suit some students more than theoretical subjects.

Additionally, subjects which allow for more subjectivity, personal expression and creativity - such as English - suits some students more than subjects which are more rules-based, like Maths.

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Comparing pass rates and the percentages of students achieving top GCSE grades

One way to determine the relative difficulty of different GCSE subjects is to compare pass rates and percentages of students who achieve the higher grades of 8 and 9.

For example, the UK’s Department of Education analyses pass rate data to identify trends and patterns.

While not a perfect system, the higher the pass rate and the greater the percentage of students achieving a Grade 9, the ‘easier’ the subject would appear to be. 

A note here on GCSE 1-9 Grades and how the numbers relate to the former A* - G grades.

9 = the highest grade, equivalent to a high A*

8 = equivalent to a high A*

7 = equivalent to an A

6 = equivalent to a high B

5 = equivalent to a low B, high C

4 = equivalent to a C

3 = equivalent to a D or E

2 = equivalent to an F

1 = equivalent to a G

2025 GCSE results by subject 

* Results taken from ofqual.gov.uk

The ‘easiest’ GCSE subjects

So, going by pass rates, the ‘easiest’ GCSEs in 2025 were; Biology, Chemistry and Physics, followed by Economics, German, and Drama.

When you look at the percentages of students achieving top grades, the story is similar.

Biology, Chemistry and Physics were the only three subjects to see over 40% of students achieve a Grade 7 or higher. Music, Economics, and German all also saw over 33% achieve that level. 

The ‘hardest’ GCSE subjects

Meanwhile, the hardest were Maths, English and Combined Science, followed by History, Geography and Food preparation and nutrition.

Only 9% of UK students achieved Grades 7, 8 or 9 in Combined Science, (although a much more impressive 29% MyEdSpace students achieved the same level).

English and Maths saw a similar dearth of top marks with 15% and 16% respectively, (figures again significantly improved on by MyEdSpace students with 43% of GCSE English students and a massive 51% of Maths students, earning 7, 8 or 9).

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