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GCSE grades 2025: The 9-1 boundaries explained GCSE grades 2025: The 9-1 boundaries explained
(1 day later)
GCSE students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving their results on Thursday 21 August. The 2025 GCSE pass rate has fallen slightly compared with 2024, with 67.4% of all grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at 4 or C and above.
In England, GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1. They were previously used an A-to-U letter system. GCSEs in England are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1, having previously used an A-to-U letter system.
Exams are graded differently in Wales and Northern Ireland.Exams are graded differently in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Results have officially been released to students - follow live As GCSE pass rate falls, how do you appeal grades or resit exams?
Five key takeaways from this year's GCSE results
How do the 9-1 GCSE grades work?How do the 9-1 GCSE grades work?
The 9-1 grading scheme was brought in alongside an overhaul of the curriculum in England in 2014.The 9-1 grading scheme was brought in alongside an overhaul of the curriculum in England in 2014.
The rollout began in 2017 with three subjects - English language, English literature and maths - being the first to be graded in numbers. By 2020, all subjects were using the new grading system.The rollout began in 2017 with three subjects - English language, English literature and maths - being the first to be graded in numbers. By 2020, all subjects were using the new grading system.
The highest grade is 9, while 1 is the lowest, and U means "ungraded".The highest grade is 9, while 1 is the lowest, and U means "ungraded".
The number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letter one. However, the two scales do meet in certain places:The number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letter one. However, the two scales do meet in certain places:
the bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade Athe bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A
the bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade Cthe bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade C
the bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade Gthe bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade G
three number grades - 9, 8 and 7 - correspond to the two previous top grades of A* and Athree number grades - 9, 8 and 7 - correspond to the two previous top grades of A* and A
That means that a 9 is a high A*, an 8 is a low A* or high A, and a 7 is a low A.That means that a 9 is a high A*, an 8 is a low A* or high A, and a 7 is a low A.
A 6 is a high B, a 5 is a low B or high C, and a 4 is a low C.A 6 is a high B, a 5 is a low B or high C, and a 4 is a low C.
A 3 is a D or high E, a 2 is a low E or high F, and a 1 is a low F or G. And a U is still a U.A 3 is a D or high E, a 2 is a low E or high F, and a 1 is a low F or G. And a U is still a U.
How are grade boundaries decided?How are grade boundaries decided?
Grade boundaries dictate what the lowest mark is you can get to achieve a grade.Grade boundaries dictate what the lowest mark is you can get to achieve a grade.
They are decided by examiners each year. Exam boards publish grade boundaries on results day.They are decided by examiners each year. Exam boards publish grade boundaries on results day.
What grade do pupils need to pass their GCSEs?What grade do pupils need to pass their GCSEs?
Pupils need a 4 for a "standard pass" and 5 for a "strong pass".Pupils need a 4 for a "standard pass" and 5 for a "strong pass".
While grades 1-3 technically count as a pass, many sixth forms insist on a minimum number of 5s or 6s as a condition of entry for further study.While grades 1-3 technically count as a pass, many sixth forms insist on a minimum number of 5s or 6s as a condition of entry for further study.
The government's school league tables are based on the percentage of pupils who achieve a 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.The government's school league tables are based on the percentage of pupils who achieve a 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
If you get a grade 3 or below in maths or English language, you will have to resit next year.If you get a grade 3 or below in maths or English language, you will have to resit next year.
Why were GCSE grades changed in England?Why were GCSE grades changed in England?
The numerical grading scheme was introduced as part of a 2014 curriculum overhaul by then-Conservative Education Secretary, Michael Gove.The numerical grading scheme was introduced as part of a 2014 curriculum overhaul by then-Conservative Education Secretary, Michael Gove.
It put less emphasis on GCSE coursework than before, with grades in almost all subjects decided in final exams.It put less emphasis on GCSE coursework than before, with grades in almost all subjects decided in final exams.
The qualifications were designed to be more challenging, with exams taken after two years of study. Previously pupils covered the syllabus through a series of modules with regular assessments throughout the course.The qualifications were designed to be more challenging, with exams taken after two years of study. Previously pupils covered the syllabus through a series of modules with regular assessments throughout the course.
At the time of the changes, the government argued that the new scale "recognises more clearly the achievements of high-attaining students, as the additional grades allow for greater differentiation".At the time of the changes, the government argued that the new scale "recognises more clearly the achievements of high-attaining students, as the additional grades allow for greater differentiation".
It also said that the move from letters to numbers would make it clear - for example to an employer - "whether a student has taken a new, more challenging GCSE, or an old reformed GCSE".It also said that the move from letters to numbers would make it clear - for example to an employer - "whether a student has taken a new, more challenging GCSE, or an old reformed GCSE".
How are GCSEs graded in Northern Ireland?How are GCSEs graded in Northern Ireland?
Grades have changed in Northern Ireland too.Grades have changed in Northern Ireland too.
In summer 2019, the CCEA introduced a new nine-category grade scale - A* to G, including a C*.In summer 2019, the CCEA introduced a new nine-category grade scale - A* to G, including a C*.
Students may also get results with grades 9-1 if they take exams set by English boards.Students may also get results with grades 9-1 if they take exams set by English boards.
How are GCSEs graded in Wales?How are GCSEs graded in Wales?
The Welsh government introduced new and revised GCSE courses in September 2015.The Welsh government introduced new and revised GCSE courses in September 2015.
The most significant changes were in English language, Welsh language and mathematics.The most significant changes were in English language, Welsh language and mathematics.
Wales retained the letter-based grading structure A*- G.Wales retained the letter-based grading structure A*- G.