The proportion of students who passed this year’s June assessment fell compared with last year’s exam, according to data released today by the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Last month, 2,805 candidates sat the assessment, with 2,150 passing and 655 failing. The pass rate equated to 77 per cent compared with 80 per cent in June 2022 when 2,147 out of 2,697 candidates passed.

There were 2,353 first-time sitters last month, while 229 candidates took the exam for the second time and 99 for the third time, with 1,863, 114 and 58 passing respectively.

In 2021, 82 per cent of 2,907 candidates passed the June exam while 72 per cent of 2,942 students and 79 per cent of 2,942 candidates passed in 2020 and 2019 respectively.

“The assessment is one of the main ways we test that trainees can demonstrate they understand how to apply knowledge and are able to make professional judgements in pharmacy practice. This is fundamental in assuring patients and the public that they are in safe hands,” said the GPhC’s director of education and standards Mark Voce.

He acknowledged that it “can be a difficult time” for students who did not pass the assessment and reminded them the GPhC offers guidance on the options available to them.

He also said Pharmacist Support was there to “provide help with mental health and wellbeing.”