GCSEs are graded 9 to 1, rather than A* to G. Grade 9 is the highest grade, set above the current A*. The grades were given for the first time in 2017 results for specifications that first started teaching in 2015. From 2019, all GCSE results will be using the new system. See Ofqual's GCSE grading diagrams.
Grades B and C (or a 4 to 6) at GCSE are suggestive of Cs and Ds at A-level – which won't be enough to get into some universities. The more competitive the university and course, the higher the number of high-achieving students with top GCSE marks applying.
Setting grade standards for new GCSEs
A formula will be used that means that around 20% of all grades at 7 or above will be a grade 9.GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) – Certificate and qualification awarded. At GCSE, considered a 'good pass', and awards a qualification at Level 2 of the RQF. GCSE grades 3 to 1 (D to G) – Certificate and qualification awarded.
Under the new system, grades 7-9 are equivalent to the old A and A* marks. Numbers 4-6 cover the old B and C grades, while 1-3 cover the old D, E, F and G grades. Students collect their GCSE results at the Nottingham High School. (
Equivalent GCSE grades
Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system. Grade 4 remains the level that students must achieve without needing to resit English and Maths post-16.The reformed GCSE qualifications will be awarded on a grade scale of 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest). broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 1 and above as currently achieve a grade G and above.
First grade (also called Grade One, called Year 2 in England or Primary 2 in Scotland) is the first grade in elementary school. It is the first school year after kindergarten in Canada and the USA. Children are usually 6–7 years old in this grade.
Three number grades, 9, 8 and 7, correspond to the old-style top grades of A* and A - this is designed to give more differentiation at the top end. The exams watchdog, Ofqual, says fewer grade 9s will be awarded than A*s and that anyone who gets a 9 will have "performed exceptionally".
In a word, no. A good rule of thumb for the new grading system is a grade 7 is broadly equivalent to an A in old money, while a grade 9 is above an A*. A grade 4 is similar to an old grade C. Relatively few students will achieve grade 9s as they will effectively be rationed.
Contrary to what you might expect, 1 is not the highest grade, 9 is. However, 9 will be awarded to fewer pupils than A* is currently. In fact, three number grades, 9, 8 and 7, correspond to the current top grades of A* and A. A grade 6 is a bit higher than the old B grade.
In a word, no. A good rule of thumb for the new grading system is a grade 7 is broadly equivalent to an A in old money, while a grade 9 is above an A*. A grade 4 is similar to an old grade C. Relatively few students will achieve grade 9s as they will effectively be rationed.
You're more likely to be able to go into Further Education or get a good job if you have five or more GCSEs at grade C or 4 or above. Many sixth-forms and colleges do expect at least C/4 grades but some schools may take pupils with lower grades, so it's worth giving them a call to check.
| ROUGH GUIDE to US School Grades Compared to English (UK) School Years |
|---|
| Age | UK Year (England Only) | U.S. Level |
|---|
| 11 to 12 years | Year 7 - Secondary School | 6th Grade - Middle School |
| 12 to 13 years | Year 8 | 7th Grade |
| 13 to 14 years | Year 9 | 8th Grade |
Seventh grade, equivalent to Year 8 in England and Wales, and S1 in Scotland, is a year or level of education in many nations around the world. The seventh grade is the eighth school year and comes after 6th grade or elementary school. Students are around 12-13 years old in this stage.
Grade 8 is the equivalent of in between grades A* and A. Grade 7 is the equivalent of a grade A. Grade 6 is the equivalent of just above a grade B.
Equivalent GCSE grades
Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system. Grade 4 remains the level that students must achieve without needing to resit English and Maths post-16.The new grading scheme is being brought in alongside a new GCSE curriculum in England. 9 is the highest grade, while 1 is the lowest, not including a U (ungraded). Three number grades, 9, 8 and 7, correspond to the old-style top grades of A* and A - this is designed to give more differentiation at the top end.
What are the new grades? The new GCSEs will be graded 9–1, rather than A*–G, with grade 5 considered a good pass and grade 9 being the highest and set above the current A*. The government's definition of a 'good pass' will be set at grade 5 for reformed GCSEs. A grade 4 will continue to be a Level 2 achievement.
International Students
| Student Age (as of September 1, 2020) | American Grade Equivalent |
|---|
| 17 years old | Grade 12 |
| 16 years old | Grade 11 |
| 15 years old | Grade 10 |
| 14 years old | Grade 9 |
Tenth grade. Tenth grade or grade 10 (called Year 11 in England and Wales, and sophomore year in the US) is the tenth year of school post-kindergarten or the tenth year after the first introductory year upon entering compulsory schooling.
Grade 6 is the equivalent of just above a grade B. Grade 5 is the equivalent of in between grades B and C. Grade 4 is the equivalent of a grade C.
Most people study for at least five GCSEs, but many study for ten or more! Most young people try to study for as many GCSEs as they are able. Crucial: GCSE grades are changing from letter grades A*-G to number grades 9-1.
AQA grade boundaries
The maximum mark is 200. For the Mathematics exam, a score of 206 gets you a 9, 171 an 8, 136 a 7, 105 a 6, 74 a high pass 5, and 43 a standard pass 4. The maximum score was 240.GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) – formerly known as O-levels. A single-subject exam taken upon completion of two years of study at the age of 16 (age at US 10th grade). Students take anywhere between 5-10 subjects, which, if passed, are generally considered equivalent to a US high school diploma.
9 is the highest grade, while 1 is the lowest, not including a U (ungraded). Three number grades, 9, 8 and 7, correspond to the old-style top grades of A* and A - this is designed to give more differentiation at the top end.
The first defines the category that is being evaluated, and the other four show levels 1 through 4. Level 1 is 50%–59%, Level 2 is 60%–69%, Level 3 is 70%–79%, and Level 4 is 80%–100%.
Triple Award Science (sometimes known as 'Separate Sciences' or 'Single Sciences') is where students study all three sciences and end up with three GCSEs. They are awarded two GCSE grades based on their overall performance across all three science subjects.
