GCSE results could look significantly different to last year’s due to students applying for International GCSEs and increased numbers of early and multiple entries, according to Ofqual.

The qualifications and examinations regulator said some students, particularly in maths, have been entering for more than one qualification in the same subject, either with the same board or a number of different boards.

The number of students entering for International GCSEs has also increased significantly this year and this is expected to skew the figures released today.

This new trend follows an increase in the number of schools entering pupils early for GCSEs in maths or English, with some students taking exams before the end of KS 4.