The TSR Community Awards 2025 are now live >>

GCSE’s at Cambridge— do they matter?

Hi! I am a year 13 student without straight 8/9s at GCSE. I got 998888777 (9s in English Lit + Religious Studies, 7s in chem, maths and physics). I have applied for the Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge. Does Cambridge take in mind what subjects you don't do particularly well in at GCSE or is it all lumped into an average score like they have in the admission statistics? Although I have good A Level predictions (A*A*A*+A* in EPQ), I am worried I will be contextualised negatively as I went to a boarding school (good private school however not known particularly for their academics) — is it too much of an issue? I have received an interview, however I am worried that they may use it to differentiate between two candidates. let me know!

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

I suspect post interview, the interview performance is a much more relevant consideration in deciding whether to make an offer. I'm sure they will consider all the results but frankly - you have excellent GCSEs anyway.

Also all the Cambridge admissions tutors who have posted from official accounts on TSR over the years have stated multiple times they have never rejected an applicant solely on the basis of GCSEs.

Realistically: if you don't get an offer it will probably be because of the interview (or any submitted work if you submit work for that course).

Reply 2

Anonymous #2

I’m applying for the exact same courses at the same unis as you (but KCL instead of Manchester), with virtually the same grades but for one extra 9 and 8, and I am also a private school student so we’re pretty much in the same boat. Which Cambridge college did you apply to?