GCSE grades: The 9-1 boundaries explained

GCSE grades in the UK are changing from the traditional A*-G format to a new numerical scale of 9-1. This change is being phased in gradually across all subjects, with the aim of providing more differentiation between students at the top end of the scale.

The new grading system is designed to be clearer and more specific, with a grade 9 being the highest and a grade 1 being the lowest. The middle grades will align roughly with the old grades B and C, with grade 4 being equivalent to a C and grade 7 being equivalent to an A.

It’s important for students to understand the new grade boundaries and how they are set. The boundaries for each grade are determined by exam boards based on the difficulty of the exam papers and the performance of students taking the exams. This means that the boundaries can vary slightly from year to year, depending on these factors.

Overall, the move to a 9-1 grading system is intended to provide a clearer indication of a student’s achievements in their GCSE exams. It’s important for students, parents, and teachers to familiarize themselves with the new boundaries and what they mean for students‘ future academic and career prospects.