How does the GCSE grading system work?

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is a set of exams taken by students in the UK usually at the age of 16. The grades achieved in these exams are an important step in a student’s academic journey and can determine their future opportunities.

The GCSE grading system changed in 2017 from the traditional A*-G grades to a numerical system from 9 to 1. Below is an overview of how the new grading system works:

• Grade 9: This is the highest grade and is equivalent to an A* under the old system. Only a small percentage of students will achieve a grade 9.
• Grades 7-8: These are equivalent to the old A grade.
• Grades 4-6: These are equivalent to the old C grade.
• Grade 4 is often considered a “standard pass”, while grade 5 is a “strong pass”.
• Grades 1-3: These are equivalent to the old grades D-G.

It is important to note that different subjects may have different grade boundaries and requirements for each grade. Overall, the new GCSE grading system aims to provide a clearer indication of a student’s academic achievement and help universities and employers better understand their capabilities.