GCSE grading explained - numbers to letters (2024)

If the exams weren`t already tricky or stressful enough, now you have to think about how they are marked...

Luckily, we're showing you everything you need to know about GCSE grading in 2022 and what exactly the examiners are looking for! We hope this makes studying more efficient and you can walk out of that exam knowing, and feeling like you crushed it!

GCSE grading explained - numbers to letters (1)

GCSE exam grades

GCSE grades/grading systems explained. What do you (the student) need to know?

What is a pass?

According to BBC News, students now need a minimum of a 4 to of passed that exam. 4 is considered a standard pass and 5 a strong pass. This means that a candidate who gets nine grade-4s has, technically, passed all their exams.

What is required for further education?

Many sixth-forms and higher education institutes will insist on a minimum number of 5 and above passes for entry and acceptance. You should check with the institute that you plan on attending and for the courses you desire to study at a higher level if they have a minimum acceptance requirement, so you can best prepare yourself.

How are grades awarded?

Since 2017, grades have been awarded predominantly based on how you behave in exams. There is less coursework throughout the years to make up your final grade. You’ll receive a final number grade based on how you perform in this exam.

Part of a complete overhaul of the GCSE system was carried out to bring England closer in line with the top-performing education jurisdictions around the world.

While grading is no harsher than under the previous system, the GCSE curriculum is now designed to have more content and some of the questions in the exam papers (when they are used) are intended to be harder, to identify students on course to gain a grade 9.

How to improve grades?

If you are worried about your grades or how to improve them, we know lots of ways to help you! We even have a full website dedicated to helping you with additional Maths, English, and French. just head to https://www.gcseonlinecourses.co.uk/

We even have dedicated articles focusing on exam and revision techniques, how to prepare for your exams and what to expect, so you feel 100% prepared and your grades are the best possible.

Improving your grades

Here are a few tips on how to improve your grades, and for more information, head to our website. https://www.gcseonlinecourses.co.uk/

If there is something you do not understand or you are not 100% sure about, we guarantee you are not the only one. Do not be afraid to put your hand up in class, or ask for some 1-1 time with your teachers. They will do everything they can to help you understand and pass your exams.

  • Extra study never hurt

Take some initiative. If you want to feel as prepared as possible for your exams, then study hard. Study in your free time and use a range of materials and sources so you are completely covered. Exams do not last forever and you will have your social life back just in time for summer.

  • Revise efficiently

It is true that there can be too much of a good thing. Although revising for many hours might feel like the right thing to do, give yourself regular breaks and balance all that hard work with some relaxation time. This gives your brain the valuable time it needs to digest and absorb all that information and convert it to memory. If after your break you can not remember something, it is better to find that out now than in the exam! Go back and revise those areas again. This repetition will help it to stay in your long-term memory.

  • Practice makes perfect

It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the exam paper layout before the real thing. You can ask your exam centre which board your exam will be under; Ed Excel, AQA, BBC, TES, OfQual. Find some past papers online and have a go! This could highlight the styles of questions you need to work harder on and gives you a good idea of how long you will have in the real thing. Ask your teachers to mark it for you or look the answers up for previous exams online.

  • Naps are a good thing!

Your brain is filling up with so much information and exam periods can be highly stressful. Minimize potential stress or anxiety by getting a good night of sleep. Without a good night's sleep, you could find it hard to concentrate, take in information and add to worries. Getting a full 7-9 hours per night and going to bed at a reasonable time will get you on the right road to boosting those grades.

GCSE grading system (numbers to letters)

GCSE grading explained - numbers to letters (2)

GCSE grading system

The grading system now consists of numbers, rather than the typical lettering system. These new GCSE grades are from 9-1. With 9 Being the highest score and 1 the lowest (not including U for ungraded). A score of 9, 8, and 7 are equivalent to an A* and A.

The following image shows a visual representation of the letter to number translation.

We hope this gave you a good understanding of how GCSE exams in 2022 will be graded, The new numbers from letters grading system, and everything you need to know so you can feel the most prepared. Remember to head to our website https://www.gcseonlinecourses.co.uk/ for other articles to help you pass your exams and for additional help and resources.

GCSE grading explained - numbers to letters (2024)

FAQs

GCSE grading explained - numbers to letters? ›

In the current grading system, a score of 9, 8 and 7 are equivalent to an A* and A. A 9 is for a student who has performed exceptionally well. A grade of 4 is the equivalent of a C grade, known as a standard pass. A grade of 5 is also a C grade but is known as a strong pass.

What are GCSE number grades in letters? ›

Secondary education study results
NumbersLettersMeaning
Numbers9, 8, 7LettersA* of AMeaningVery good to good
Numbers6, 5, 4LettersB of CMeaningGood pass
Numbers3, 2, 1LettersD, E, F, GMeaningWeak pass
NumbersULettersUngradedMeaningNot assessed

Is a 7 an a or b in GCSE? ›

Grade 9, Grade 8 and Grade 7 are equivalent to the old Grades A* and A. Grade 6, Grade 5 and Grade 4 are equivalent to the old Grades B and C. To pass you need at least a Grade 4 or Grade 5.

What do the grades 1 9 mean for GCSE? ›

The reformed GCSE qualifications will be awarded on a grade scale of 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest). This new scale will be aligned to key grades on the current A* to G scale. broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 1 and above as currently achieve a grade G and above.

Is an 8 an a or an *? ›

For comparison purposes, a grade C is considered equivalent to a 4, and an A is equivalent to a 7, and an 8 is equivalent roughly to an A*. Notes: GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) – Certificate and qualification awarded. At GCSE, considered a 'standard pass', and awards a qualification at Level 2 of the RQF.

Is 7 an A in GCSE? ›

Grade 7 is the equivalent of a grade A. 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.

What is a 7 GCSE in letter? ›

Low Grade 7 is equivalent to a low Grade A. | Grade 8 is equivalent to a high Grade A. | Grade 9 is equivalent to higher than a Grade A*. These are the top grades.

Is 9 an A in GCSE? ›

In the current grading system, a score of 9, 8 and 7 are equivalent to an A* and A. A 9 is for a student who has performed exceptionally well. A grade of 4 is the equivalent of a C grade, known as a standard pass.

Is 6 a good GCSE grade? ›

What is a Grade 6 in GCSE? For those of you hoping to target a traditional B in the current grading system, then you should aim for a grade 6. With this qualification, you should meet entry requirements for various further education establishments.

What is a Grade 7 GCSE in America? ›

New GCSE
GradeUS Grade
7A
6B+
5B
4B
6 more rows

How rare is a Grade 9 GCSE? ›

Percentage of GCSE entries in England in 2022 and 2023, by grade level
Characteristic20222023
614.7%14%
710.9%9.6%
88.5%7.1%
96.6%4.9%
6 more rows
Sep 1, 2023

Is an 8 good in GCSE? ›

8 is a good student type number. Although you see some people have 9 or 10 it really doesn't make any difference to you likely admission to any where. It is definitely better to have 8 good grades ( grade 7 and above) than it is to have 9 or 10 mediocre grades. Eight subjects is just right.

What grade is a fail in GCSE? ›

If students get a grade of 5-6, this means that they have a strong pass and if their grade is 4, then they have a standard pass. Unfortunately, if they receive a grade below 4, this means they have not passed the GCSE exam. Remember, a lower score on the GCSE exam doesn't have to mean that they've failed.

Is US school harder than the UK? ›

Curriculum: In the UK, students typically study fewer subjects in greater depth, with a greater emphasis on exams at the end of each academic year. In the US, students are often required to take a broader range of subjects, with more opportunities for elective courses and continuous assessment throughout the year.

What is an A+ in the UK? ›

UK GradeUS Grade*
75-100A+
70-74A
64-69A-
60-63B+
7 more rows

Is 70 an A in the UK? ›

Regarding the UK Grading System, achieving an overall 70% or higher score in your undergraduate degree is equivalent to an A.

What is a 5 in GCSE equivalent to? ›

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.

How are GCSE grades graded? ›

GCSEs are now graded from 9-1, with 9 being the highest. Grade 9s are awarded to fewer students than the old A*. Bottom of a grade 7 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade A. Bottom of a grade 4 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade C.

What number is C grade GCSE? ›

It is important that employers can compare the different grading scales, particularly in English Language and Mathematics. If employers currently ask for GCSEs at grades C and above, there is no reason for this to change. When comparing letter grades to number grades, the grade 4 is equivalent to the grade C.

What is the GCSE equivalent? ›

NVQs at levels 1 and 2 are the most equivalent to GCSEs. NVQs at level 3 are equivalent to 2 A levels. Taking NVQs at level 4 is equivalent to a higher education certificate, while NVQs at level 5 are equivalent to a higher education diploma.

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