Why Is My Child Stuck at a Grade 5 in GCSE English?
Caroline CollettIf your teen is bright but stuck at a grade 5 or 6 in English, you’re not alone. Many students hit this ceiling because GCSE English Language can feel vague and unpredictable compared to subjects with formulas and clear content. The truth is, there is a system: every exam question links directly to the AQA Assessment Objectives (AO1–AO6). In this blog, I explain how the exam is structured — two papers, each with four reading questions and one extended writing task — and break down exactly what each question is testing. Parents will see where marks are gained or lost, from language analysis in Paper 1 Q2 to persuasive writing in Paper 2 Q5. You’ll also find practical tips to help at home: printing the AO list for revision, spotting which questions your child struggles with most, using past papers for short practice bursts, and praising progress on skills rather than just grades. This guide makes the exam transparent, showing you how to support your child’s confidence and progress. With focus on the right skills, even “stuck” students can move up into the top grades.