How does the GCSE grading system work?

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is a standardized test taken by students in the UK at the end of their secondary education. The grading system for GCSEs has recently changed to a numerical scale, with grades ranging from 9 to 1.

Under the old grading system, GCSEs were graded on a scale from A* to G, with A* being the highest grade and G being the lowest. The new numerical scale reflects a higher level of difficulty, with grade 9 being equivalent to an A* under the old system.

Here is how the numerical grades compare to the old letter grades:

• Grade 9 – Equivalent to A*
• Grade 8 – Equivalent to A
• Grade 7 – Equivalent to A
• Grade 6 – Equivalent to B
• Grade 5 – Equivalent to C
• Grade 4 – Equivalent to C
• Grade 3 – Equivalent to D
• Grade 2 – Equivalent to E
• Grade 1 – Equivalent to G

Students also have the option to receive a “U” grade, which stands for “ungraded” and indicates that the student did not achieve a passing score on the exam.

Overall, the GCSE grading system is designed to provide a clear and consistent way to evaluate students’ academic performance and help them progress to the next stage of their education or career.