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The GCSE 9 to 1 grade scale
England has used 9 to 1 since 2017, replacing A* to G. Notes are from Ofqual and AQA.
- 9 Highest grade
- 8
- 7 Bottom of 7 is comparable to the bottom of the old A
- 6
- 5 Strong pass: a high C or low B on the old scale
- 4 Standard pass. Bottom of 4 is comparable to the bottom of the old C
- 3
- 2
- 1 Lowest grade. Bottom of 1 is comparable to the bottom of the old G
- U Ungraded
How do 9 to 1 grades compare with A* to G?
The number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letters. Ofqual set three points where the two scales are comparable:
| 9 to 1 | Old A* to G |
|---|---|
| Bottom of grade 7 | Bottom of grade A |
| Bottom of grade 4 | Bottom of grade C |
| Bottom of grade 1 | Bottom of grade G |
So if an employer used to ask for at least a C, the equivalent now is at least a 4. There are more grades at the top than before: AQA explains that the grade 8 boundary sits evenly between 7 and 9, and that the share of students getting 7, 8 or 9 in a subject is based on the share who would have got an A or A*.
What counts as a pass at GCSE?
- Grade 4: standard pass. The Government's term, as AQA reports it.
- Grade 5: strong pass. Equivalent to a high C and low B on the old system, according to AQA.
Sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and employers set their own entry requirements, and many ask for 4s or 5s in particular subjects, often maths and English. Check what each one asks for.
What if I don't get a 4 in maths or English?
In England, students on 16 to 19 study programmes who haven't got a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths or English keep studying the subject. For 2026 to 2027, the Department for Education's rules are:
- Grade 3: full-time students must study towards the GCSE.
- Grade 2 or below: Functional Skills level 2 or a GCSE.
Ofqual adds that students with a grade 3 or below in maths or English must be offered support if they continue in further education. Resits in maths and English GCSE can be taken in November as well as in the summer.
How is combined science graded?
Combined science gets a double grade. The two grades can be the same or next to each other: 9-9, 9-8, 8-8, 8-7 and so on, down to 1-1. AQA describes this as a 17-point scale.
How are GCSE grades set?
After marking, exam boards set grade boundaries using data and examiners' judgement. Ofqual says new boundaries are set each year to reflect how hard each paper was, so a grade is no easier or harder to get in any year. That's why the marks needed for a 4 or a 7 change from year to year: see GCSE grade boundaries explained.
GCSE results day 2027 is Thursday 19 August 2027.
Wales and Northern Ireland use different GCSE grading scales: see Qualifications Wales and CCEA.
Questions people ask
What is the highest GCSE grade?
Grade 9 is the highest GCSE grade in England and grade 1 is the lowest. U means ungraded.
Is a 4 a pass at GCSE?
Yes. The Government calls grade 4 a "standard pass" and grade 5 a "strong pass". Some sixth forms, colleges and employers ask for a 5 or higher, so check their entry requirements.
What is a grade 4 in old GCSE grades?
The 9 to 1 scale is not directly equivalent to A* to G. But Ofqual says the bottom of grade 4 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade C. If an employer used to ask for at least a C, the equivalent is at least a 4.
What is a grade 7 in old GCSE grades?
Ofqual says the bottom of grade 7 is comparable to the bottom of the old grade A.
What is a grade 5 equivalent to?
AQA says grade 5 is a "strong pass" and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system.
Do I have to resit maths or English if I get a 3?
In England, if you continue in education or training after 16 without a grade 4 or above in maths or English, you keep studying that subject. Full-time students with a grade 3 must study towards the GCSE. With a grade 2 or below, it can be Functional Skills level 2 or a GCSE.
How is combined science graded?
Combined science gets a double grade, such as 9-9, 9-8 or 8-8, down to 1-1. The two grades can be the same or next to each other. AQA describes it as a 17-point scale.
Do Wales and Northern Ireland use 9 to 1?
No. Wales and Northern Ireland use different GCSE grading scales. Check Qualifications Wales or CCEA.