Exam results in the UK could soon be broken down into boys, girls and non-binary students, it has been confirmed.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) stated that it is exploring the possibility for future results.

The membership organisation published this year’s GCSE grades, which then uses the data to compare the performance of boys and girls – the two categories results are currently divided into.

However, a spokesperson for the JCQ told The Independent that it is “looking at” whether or not this should be how results are categorised going forward.

“​​The JCQ tables currently include breakdowns by male and female gender types,” it said.

“JCQ and its member awarding organisations do not collect the data required to include breakdowns for non-binary candidates.

“However, we will be looking at this in the future.”

It comes after Pearson confirmed it has spoken with Stonewall and “started the process” of altering its systems to that it could collect data for non-binary students.

“As a Stonewall Top 100 employer, Pearson works with Stonewall on a range of matters including how data might be collected for non-binary learners,” it explained in a statement.

“We are pleased to share that we have started the process of updating our systems to enable this – and we commit to consulting with key stakeholders to demonstrate our continued support for the non-binary community.”