Thousands of young people will be receiving their GCSE results on Thursday - but for many families, the number grading system can be confusing.
If you are unsure about your child's grades and what they mean, this guide will come in handy. In England, GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1, rather than from A to E, as was previously the case.
This numerical scheme was brought in as part of a new curriculum introduced by former Education Secretary Michael Gove in 2014. The changes saw a reduction in coursework and an increase in exams in almost all subjects across England.
The highest grade is now 9, while 1 is the lowest - so the higher the number, the better the grade. If you fail your exam, you will receive a U - meaning ungraded. Here is a look at the numbers and what they mean. The grades don't match up exactly to letters but this is a general guide.
How the GCSE grading system works
- Grade 9 is equivalent to a high A*
- Grade 8 is equivalent to a low A*, high A
- Grade 7 is equivalent to an A
- Grade 6 is equivalent to a high B
- Grade 5 is equivalent to a low B, high C
- Grade 4 is equivalent to a C
- Grace 3 is equivalent to a D
- Grade 2 is equivalent to a low E, high F
- Grade 1 is equivalent to an F or G
Pupils need a 4 for a "standard pass" and 5 for a "strong pass". This means that a student who gets nine grade-4s has, technically, passed all their exams.
However, the Government's school league tables are based on the percentage of pupils who achieve a 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. Many sixth forms insist on a minimum number of 5s or 6s as a condition of entry for further study.
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