Most parents wouldn’t pass a GCSE English grammar test, study reveals

New research shows many parents would struggle with GCSE English grammar and lack confidence helping children with their revision. Take this quick test to see how whether you'd make the grade.

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Published: May 27, 2026 at 2:18 PM

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With GCSE English Language exams underway across the UK, many parents are feeling the pressure to help their teens revise, but new research suggests plenty of adults are struggling with grammar too.

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A study by language learning app Preply found that most British adults would fail a school-level grammar test, despite feeling confident about their writing skills.

The findings come as GCSE English Language pass rates have fallen from 64% in 2023 to 60% in 2025.

For families navigating revision season, the results may feel reassuringly familiar. More than four in 10 parents surveyed said they worry about their child’s success in English exams, while 35% admitted they feel under-equipped to help with homework.

Most adults struggled with GCSE-level grammar questions

Preply surveyed more than 1,500 UK adults on grammar rules commonly taught in GCSE English, including apostrophes, punctuation and pronouns.

Participants scored an average of just 23% across five grammar questions.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks was possessive apostrophes. Although 58% of people said they felt confident using them, only 10% correctly answered the related question.

Other grammar areas also caused problems:

Despite the low scores, almost half of respondents, 46%, said they still felt capable of helping a student with English homework.

Parents are feeling pressure during GCSE season

Mother helping her daughter with the school homework at home. Education concept.

The research highlights how stressful exam season can feel for families, especially as English remains one of the core subjects pupils must pass.

According to the study, 42% of parents worry about their child’s success in English GCSE exams.

At the same time, many admitted they lack confidence in their own grammar knowledge, with more than a third saying they feel unable to properly support homework and revision.

The findings may resonate with parents currently helping teens prepare for GCSE English Language papers taking place this summer.

Grammar mistakes still carry social pressure

The study also found that grammar is tied closely to confidence and self-esteem.

Nearly half of Brits, 47%, said they feel embarrassed when they make grammar mistakes, while 36% worry other people judge their intelligence based on their writing.

Among adults aged 25 to 34, those feelings were even stronger.

Many adults are now using AI to check grammar

The rise of AI writing tools is also changing how people approach spelling and grammar.

According to the research, 1 in 5 Brits now rely on AI tools such as ChatGPT to check their grammar and writing.

That figure rises to 39% among 25 to 34-year-olds.

However, the impact appears mixed. While 22% said AI has improved their grammar, 23% said it has made them second-guess themselves more often. Meanwhile, 30% believe predictive text and AI tools may actually be making grammar worse over time.

London topped the grammar rankings

The study also revealed regional differences in grammar scores across the UK.

London achieved the highest average score at 27%, followed by Manchester at 26% and Oxford at 25%.

At the lower end of the table were Plymouth, Edinburgh and Bristol, where average scores ranged between 16% and 18%.

How parents can support GCSE English revision

For parents worried about helping with revision, experts often recommend focusing less on perfect grammar knowledge and more on creating supportive study habits.

Simple ways to help can include:

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Would you pass a GCSE grammar test? Find the full study and an interactive grammar quiz can be found on the Preply website.

Authors

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Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!

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