GCSE Grade Boundaries Guide
How the 9-1 grading system works and what the boundaries mean for your results
GCSE grade boundaries determine the minimum raw marks needed for each grade on the 9-1 scale. Because every GCSE paper is different in difficulty from year to year, these boundaries are recalculated after every exam session by each exam board. This means you cannot know the exact marks required for your target grade until results day.
The current GCSE grading system uses numbers from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest), replacing the old A*-G letter grades in England from 2017. A grade 4 is considered a "standard pass" and is the minimum required by most employers and further education providers. A grade 5 is a "strong pass" and is the benchmark used by the government for school performance measures. Grade 7 is broadly equivalent to the old grade A, and grade 9 is awarded to the very highest-performing students nationally.
Each exam board — AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC — sets its own boundaries independently. Since their papers differ in structure, total marks, and content emphasis, the raw marks needed for the same grade will vary between boards. However, Ofqual ensures that standards are broadly comparable so that a grade 7 with one board represents a similar level of achievement as a grade 7 with another.
The 9-1 Grading Scale
Exceptional performance
Awarded to the very top performers nationally. Above the old A* standard.
Outstanding performance
Between the old A* and A grades. Demonstrates excellent subject mastery.
Excellent performance
Broadly equivalent to the old grade A. Strong understanding across the specification.
Good performance
Above a strong pass. Sits between the old grades B and A.
Strong pass
The government's benchmark for school performance measures. Top of the old grade C.
Standard pass
Equivalent to the bottom of the old grade C. The minimum accepted by most employers and colleges.
Below pass
Equivalent to the old grades D through G. Students may be required to resit English and Maths.
GCSE Subjects
Grade boundaries are set separately for each subject. Browse all GCSE subjects to start revising.
Official GCSE Grade Boundaries
Access official GCSE grade boundary documents directly from each exam board.
GCSE Grade Boundaries FAQ
What is a "pass" at GCSE?
Under the 9-1 system, a grade 4 is officially a "standard pass" and a grade 5 is a "strong pass". Most sixth forms, colleges, and employers consider grade 4 the minimum acceptable grade, particularly in English and Maths. However, competitive sixth form courses may require grade 6 or above.
How do GCSE grades 9-1 compare to the old A*-G grades?
The systems do not map exactly, but broadly: grade 9 is above the old A*, grade 7 is roughly equivalent to an A, grade 4 is equivalent to the bottom of a C, and grade 1 is equivalent to a G. Grades 8 and 9 were introduced to better differentiate among the highest-achieving students.
Do grade boundaries differ between Foundation and Higher tier?
Yes. Many GCSE subjects offer Foundation and Higher tier papers. Foundation tier covers grades 5 to 1, while Higher tier covers grades 9 to 4 (with a safety net of grade 3). The boundaries for each tier are completely separate because the papers contain different questions at different difficulty levels.
Why do grade boundaries vary so much between subjects?
Grade boundaries vary because each subject has different papers with different total marks, question styles, and content. A Maths paper out of 240 total marks will have very different boundaries to an English Literature paper out of 160 marks. What matters is the proportion of marks needed, not the raw number.
Can I predict my grade from practice paper scores?
Practice papers give you a reasonable indication of your performance level, but you should not treat last year's boundaries as a guaranteed predictor. Paper difficulty varies, and boundaries adjust accordingly. Focus on consistent improvement across topics rather than targeting a specific mark.
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