‘A*–A’, ‘grade 4+’, ‘cumulative’, ‘provisional’ - a quick, clear glossary so the headline numbers make sense.
Results statistics use a few key ideas: entries (the number sitting), cumulative outcomes (e.g. ‘A*–A’ means grade A or above - in other words, A or A*; ‘grade 4+’ means 4 or above), all-age vs age-16/age-18 figures, and provisional vs final data. Knowing which is which prevents easy misreadings.
Quick glossary: Entries - the number of subject entries (sittings) in a qualification, not a headcount of unique students, since one student is entered for several subjects. Cumulative % - the share at a grade or above (so B in an A-level table means “A*–B”). A*–A / grade 7+ - common high-grade benchmarks. All-age vs age 16/18 - whether resitters and older candidates are included. Provisional vs final - results-day figures are provisional and revised later. Suppressed - very small entry counts may be hidden to protect individuals.
In a cumulative table, ‘B = 48%’ means 48% got B or above - not that 48% got exactly a B.
The percentage achieving A* or A (a cumulative figure).
Grade 4 or above - the standard-pass benchmark at GCSE.
All-age figures include post-16 resitters (notably GCSE English & maths); age-16 figures focus on 16-year-old candidates - broadly the main Year 11 cohort. Source: Ofqual ↗
Results-day statistics are provisional and can be revised when final data is published later. Source: Ofqual ↗
See these figures in action - entries, cumulative outcomes and boundaries for any subject.
Open the Explorer →Browse subject pages →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.
Join thousands of teachers and students who use tutor2u for free teaching resources, revision support, exam insights and practical ideas throughout the year. Enter your email to hear what’s new and useful.