How relevant are GCSEs in relation to uni?

When applying to a top university such as Oxbridge, Durham, LSE etc, in what context are GCSEs important?

For example if I were to have GCSEs at:

Maths A
English Lang A
French B
History B
RE B
Sciences B,B
Computer science C
English Lit C

However after A levels I’ve received dramatically higher results with:

Politics A*
History A
Business A

I’ve just taken a gap year and unsure if my GCSE’s would hold me back from a top uni? Ive read around it but I’m unsure if they matter in the context of predicting A level results, which I already have, or as a tool for narrowing the applicant pool. It’s also worth noting that my school was by no means high achieving. I’d be grateful to hear some insight from someone with knowledge around applications. Do not be afraid to be blunt and honest. Is there a realistic chance in a top uni?

When applying to a top university such as Oxbridge, Durham, LSE etc, in what context are GCSEs important?

For example if I were to have GCSEs at:

Maths A
English Lang A
French B
History B
RE B
Sciences B,B
Computer science C
English Lit C

However after A levels I’ve received dramatically higher results with:

Politics A*
History A
Business A

I’ve just taken a gap year and unsure if my GCSE’s would hold me back from a top uni? Ive read around it but I’m unsure if they matter in the context of predicting A level results, which I already have, or as a tool for narrowing the applicant pool. It’s also worth noting that my school was by no means high achieving. I’d be grateful to hear some insight from someone with knowledge around applications. Do not be afraid to be blunt and honest. Is there a realistic chance in a top uni?

What subject are you applying for?

Preferably law but I’m also open to history/and politics or PPE

since you have your a level results already, your GCSEs will be almost meaningless to unis (and in the context of a poor school as well they are absolutely fine) so you should definitely apply, you have a good chance of getting an offer (obviously Oxbridge is still hard but other top unis you shouldn't have a problem depending slightly on course choice)

Oxford do generally place higher emphasis on GCSEs than Cambridge, they say on their website that:

Higher grades at GCSE can help to make your application more competitive, and successful applicants typically have a high proportion of A and A* grades or 7,8 and 9 grades. However, we do look at GCSE grades in context. Where possible, tutors will be made aware of the overall GCSE performance of the school or college where you studied.

If in doubt, phone Admissions at the unis that interest you and get advice directly from them

Couldn't be further from the truth tbh. These top unis look for persistent excellence. They want to know youve always been the top of the class etc.

Thanks for the info. Oxbridge seem to be quite unclear about the context though. Like this could mean that they consider a high amount of GCSE as evidence of a high chance in As at A level for those applying directly from sixth form to uni without the gap year however it could also matter in narrowing the applicant pool between everyone, its a little unclear. And yeah I think I’ll phone up soon. Thanks

That's not true. More than one Cambridge admissions tutor has stated on TSR that an upward trajectory is a good sign.

Couldn't be further from the truth tbh. These top unis look for persistent excellence. They want to know youve always been the top of the class etc.

But I'd still recommend what you said, apply, cus why not. Can't win the lottery if you don't but a ticket.

I'm not making this up dude I'm a student at Cambridge, an access ambassador and I'm repeating what's been said by the director for admissions Dr Sam Lucy at the many admissions events I've been a part of.

while GCSEs can be a factor, for Cambridge they are not a large part of the selection process particularly for candidates who already have a level results

I'm not making this up dude I'm a student at Cambridge, an access ambassador and I'm repeating what's been said by the director for admissions Dr Sam Lucy at the many admissions events I've been a part of.

while GCSEs can be a factor, for Cambridge they are not a large part of the selection process particularly for candidates who already have a level results

I'm not making this up dude I'm a student at Cambridge, an access ambassador and I'm repeating what's been said by the director for admissions Dr Sam Lucy at the many admissions events I've been a part of.

while GCSEs can be a factor, for Cambridge they are not a large part of the selection process particularly for candidates who already have a level results

This is a very useful answer. Thanks

When applying to a top university such as Oxbridge, Durham, LSE etc, in what context are GCSEs important?

For example if I were to have GCSEs at:

Maths A
English Lang A
French B
History B
RE B
Sciences B,B
Computer science C
English Lit C

However after A levels I’ve received dramatically higher results with:

Politics A*
History A
Business A

I’ve just taken a gap year and unsure if my GCSE’s would hold me back from a top uni? Ive read around it but I’m unsure if they matter in the context of predicting A level results, which I already have, or as a tool for narrowing the applicant pool. It’s also worth noting that my school was by no means high achieving. I’d be grateful to hear some insight from someone with knowledge around applications. Do not be afraid to be blunt and honest. Is there a realistic chance in a top uni?

you only have 1 traditional A level.

however, Durham has been expanding massively in the last few years and is not as competitive as it used to be. the offer rate there used to be around 50% but is now approaching 80%. so Durham is in play but LSE and Oxbridge are unrealistic

they wouldn't be the most competitive candidate due to only the one A* but they still have a shot at Cambridge (can't speak for Oxford but know that Cambridge are ok as long as you have the required subject(s) for the course they aren't worried about exactly what a levels)

it's only one choice out of 5 so if they like the course it is worth applying, in general they should apply to a range of unis, usually two aspirational (Oxbridge/LSE) and three more safe options