Get an overview of the new 9–1 awarding from 2017 for GCSE qualifications and find out how grade boundaries are set.

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Download our Grading from 2017 PDF to find out more about awarding and grade boundaries. 

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GCSE 9-1 grades explained

GCSE 9-1 grades explained
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What is the new grading scale for GCSE qualifications?

The reformed GCSE qualifications will be awarded on a grade scale of 9 (the highest grade) to 1 (the lowest).

This new scale will be aligned to key grades on the current A* to G scale.

  • broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as currently achieve a grade C and above
  • broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 7 and above as currently achieve a grade A and above
  • broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 1 and above as currently achieve a grade G and above.
Comparing 9-1 and A-G

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All other grade boundaries (except Grade 9) will be set arithmetically, as they are now.

For example, the boundaries at grades 5 and 6 will be set based on the difference in marks between grades 4 and 7; grade 5 will be set at one third of the difference in marks, and grade 6 at two thirds the difference in marks. Find out more about the grade scale.

Find all marks and grades information