Pupils in Cumbria will be among the first to be awarded new GCSE grades tomorrow.

GCSE exams in England have undergone the biggest shake-up for a generation with new tougher courses which feature less coursework.

Modular courses, where pupils sit papers throughout their studies, have been scrapped in favour of linear GCSEs where pupils take all their exams at the end of the two-year course.

The reformed GCSEs - which are graded numerically with a 9 to 1 system, 9 being the highest - are being introduced gradually with the first to be awarded in English literature, English language and maths - core subjects taken by all teenagers.

Former Education Secretary Michael Gove, who led the reforms which began in 2011, said the new system would "set higher expectations."

Mr Gove said: "They demand more from all students and specifically provide further challenge to those aiming to achieve top grades."

A grade 7 is broadly equivalent to an A under the old system, while a 4 is broadly equivalent to a C.

Fewer students will receive a grade 9 than would have received an A* under the old grading system.

The Department for Education said pupils who achieve a 4 in English and maths will not have to continue studying these subjects after 16, in the same way that under the old system, those scoring at least a C did not have continue.

School performance tables will reflect schools' results in English and maths at grade 5s - considered a "strong" pass by the government.

Next summer reformed GCSEs will include the sciences, history, geography and some modern languages, with others such as art, music and drama being given grades for the first time in 2018.