An illustration of how tough some of these exams were is shown by the grade boundaries for Pearson/Edexcel's science papers.
In the chemistry paper, a pass was awarded at 22.5% while those getting a grade 9 could afford to get 20% of the paper wrong - as the very top grade was awarded at 80%.
In physics, the pass mark was 26.5% - and to get a 7 (formerly an A), 62% was required. Grade 9 candidates needed to get 77% of the paper correct.
Congratulations to all those students who sat and passed their GCSEs and IGCSEs.
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.