GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1, not A*–G. Here’s what the numbers mean and how they compare with the old letters.
GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1, with 9 the highest. Grade 4 is commonly used as a ‘standard pass’ and grade 5 as a ‘strong pass’. The numerical scale replaced A*–G to allow more differentiation at the top. The firm points of comparison are the bottoms of grades 7/A, 4/C and 1/G - and grade 9 has no direct equivalent on the old scale: it was introduced to give greater differentiation among the highest-performing students.
There are three main points of comparison between the scales: the bottom of grade 7 aligns with the bottom of the old A, the bottom of grade 4 with the bottom of the old C, and the bottom of grade 1 with the bottom of the old G. Grade 9 sits above that - with no direct old-scale equivalent - to identify fewer, higher-performing students.
Grade 9 is not simply the old A*. It has no direct equivalent on the old scale, and fewer students receive a grade 9 than received an A* under the old system.
Grade 4 is commonly called a ‘standard pass’ and grade 5 a ‘strong pass’. There isn’t one official pass/fail line for every purpose - a grade 4 meets many requirements (and the 16–19 maths/English funding rule), but what counts depends on the school, college or employer. Source: Ofqual ↗
It depends on your destination. A grade 4 is enough for many things, but some sixth-form courses, colleges and employers ask for a grade 5 (‘strong pass’) or higher in specific subjects - and maths-heavy or essay-based A-levels often want a 6 or 7. Check what your next step actually requires. Source: Ofqual ↗
No. Grade 9 has no direct equivalent on the old scale. It was introduced to provide greater differentiation among the highest-performing students, and fewer students receive a grade 9 than received an A* under the old system. Source: Ofqual ↗
It means grade 4 or above (a cumulative figure), not the percentage awarded exactly a grade 4.
Explore GCSE results and grade boundaries by subject and board.
GCSE subject popularity →A GCSE subject page →Last checked August 2026. This is a plain-English summary of official guidance; always check the linked Ofqual, JCQ and exam-board pages for the definitive rules, which can change.
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