Hardest GCSEs Ranked: A Parent’s Guide to Choices

Introduction

GCSEs are naturally challenging for young teens, and the initial challenge stems from making an informed decision on which subjects to choose. It may seem easy to pick enjoyable subjects, but choosing strategically helps secure top grades.

It is essential to assess the grade ranking for your teens to allow them to make an informed decision regarding the foundation of their education. Choosing subjects wisely can not only prevent both short and long-term stress but also set up a solid career foundation for your teen.

How We Ranked the Hardest GCSE Subjects

We used the official AQA 2025 exam data to assess which GCSE subjects are the most challenging. We selected data only from subjects that included over 10,000 entries, so the results reflect large groups of students rather than a small handful. We ranked subjects by the percentage of students achieving a grade 9 – the lower the percentage, the harder the subject.

Ranked List: The Top 5 Hardest GCSEs

Subject	Entries	% Grade 9
Citizenship Studies	11,201	2.3
English Language	593,963	2.5
Maths	189,529	3.3
English Literature	498,874	3.4
Art Design & Photography	28,882	3.5

Based on our ranking, the top 5 hardest GCSEs are mainly composed of compulsory subjects. Subjects like Mathematics and English are naturally more difficult because almost every pupil has to take them. Subjects with more entrants produce varied results, which lowers the percentage of top grades. This makes core subjects appear harder than smaller, optional ones. Obtaining those top grades requires extra work to stand out against the other applicants.

These subjects require a specific set of skills that create a core academic base for other subjects. By encouraging regular revision, you can help your teen establish a stronger core understanding of these essential skills and improve grades across related subjects.

How Your Teen Can Improve Their Grades

Maths

Encourage regular practice. Tackle a few problems daily instead of cramming. This builds confidence for unfamiliar exam questions. Using past papers will help your teen naturally spot patterns in common questions.

English Literature

Build strong writing habits. Check out some past papers and get your teen to practise using previous essay questions. Ensure your teen is confident in writing a clear introduction, arguments and conclusion. Reading broadly and regularly will also strengthen their understanding of the subject and broaden their critical thinking.

English Language

Focus on clarity and technique. Your teen should practise analysing texts for tone, structure, and language devices. Writing regularly under timed conditions, focusing on stories, articles, or persuasive pieces, will build confidence. Encourage them to review examiner reports or marked sample papers to understand what earns higher marks and how to refine their writing style.

Citizenship Studies

Link ideas to real-world issues. Encourage your teen to follow current affairs, debates, and news stories. This helps them give stronger, more relevant examples in essays and short answers. Perhaps suggest joining a debate club if their school provides extra-curricular activities.

Additional Help

Some subjects are harder than others for each individual, and sometimes, additional help is essential to tackle those more challenging subjects. There are some further learning options to help you support your teen through their studies. Individual tutoring can help your teen strengthen weak areas and build confidence, especially in subjects they find demanding.

How Parents Can Help Their Teen Choose Wisely

Our ranking shows that the hardest GCSEs are usually the compulsory ones. It is important to find a balance when choosing the additional GCSE subjects.

As parents, it will be helpful to support their teens in choosing their GCSE subjects, firstly through assessing their strengths and interests:

• It is helpful that the teens are passionate and enthusiastic towards the subjects they have chosen, so they can pursue subjects they will enjoy.
• Encourage your teen to balance passion with practicality. Many GCSEs are compulsory and can be challenging, so choosing wisely will help keep future career options open. Remind them that selecting a range of subjects they enjoy and those that offer valuable skills can make study time more varied and less stressful.
• Guide your teen to consider future goals, without pressure. If they have any career plans, encourage them to select subjects that naturally support them. If they do not, guide them to make choices that keep their options open.
• If different exam styles cause stress for your teen, consider which subjects involve coursework and which are more exam-heavy. You can guide your teen by reviewing each subject’s assessment breakdown together, so they feel informed before deciding.

Use the official AQA website to see what each subject covers and what kind of exam structure each subject has.

Reassure your children that GCSEs are an important stepping stone for their careers. However, further choices at A-levels and other vocational routes can reshape their path. There is never one set path on a career trajectory. There are always more opportunities for alternative study if your teen changes their mind.

If exam stress is a recurring issue with your teen, consider using additional help to build their confidence. There are endless online resources that specialise in strengthening knowledge in specific subjects. For example, BBC Bitesize and Quizlet are popular and free revision resources. If a more personal touch is needed, it is always helpful to find a tutor. Consider a tutor early on in your teen’s revision plan, so the work structure becomes a natural part of their routine.

Conclusion

GCSEs can feel daunting for both children and parents. However, knowing which subjects are most challenging helps you prepare and support your teen. Your child can thrive and keep future opportunities open with the right balance of passion, practicality, and support (whether at home or with extra tutoring).

Need some further assistance when it comes to understanding your child’s GCSEs? Check out more information in this blog post.