What is a good GCSE grade? The 9 to 1 scale explained
TutorAura guide · Updated
GCSEs in England are graded from 9 (the highest) to 1, with U for ungraded. The Department for Education treats grade 4 as a "standard pass" and grade 5 as a "strong pass". A "good" grade depends on what you want to do next: many sixth-form courses ask for grade 6 or higher in the subjects you'll study at A level.
Key takeaways
- Grades run from 9 (highest) to 1.
- Grade 4 is a standard pass; grade 5 is a strong pass.
- Students without grade 4 in English or maths keep studying them after 16.
- Next-step requirements vary, so check the sixth form or college.
How 9 to 1 compares with the old grades
| New grade | Roughly aligned with |
|---|---|
| 9, 8, 7 | Bottom of 7 aligned with the bottom of the old A |
| 6, 5 | Between the old B and C |
| 4 | Bottom of 4 aligned with the bottom of the old C |
| 3, 2, 1 | D to G; bottom of 1 aligned with the bottom of G |
The DfE factsheet notes that the scales aren't directly equivalent: the alignment is at the bottom of grades 7, 4 and 1. Grade 9 is designed for the very highest performers.
What counts as a pass
- Grade 4: standard pass. The minimum the government recognises as a pass.
- Grade 5: strong pass. Used in school performance measures.
- English and maths: students who don't achieve grade 4 continue studying these subjects as part of their education or training after 16 (the condition of funding for 16 to 19 study).
What grades do you need next?
It depends on the route. Entry requirements are set by each sixth form, college or employer. Typical patterns:
- A levels: often grade 6 or above in the subjects you'll study, plus several grade 4s or 5s overall.
- Vocational courses (such as T levels or BTECs): often grade 4s, including English and maths.
- Apprenticeships: vary by level and employer.
Always check the specific requirements.
Tiers and maximum grades
In tiered subjects like maths, the Foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5 and the Higher tier grades 4 to 9 (with a narrow allowed grade 3). Choosing a tier affects the maximum grade available; see GCSE Maths Foundation vs Higher.
Raising your grade
Grade boundaries change each year, so focus on marks: find the topics that cost you the most marks in mock papers and practise them with exam-style questions. Try our free GCSE Maths mock papers, plan with the revision timetable generator, and see how to revise for GCSE Maths.
Grade boundaries
Grades are set by grade boundaries: the minimum marks needed for each grade. Exam boards set them after each exam, so they change slightly every year to keep standards steady when papers are a little easier or harder. Boundaries for past years are published on each board's website. They're useful for checking how a mock paper might translate into a grade, but treat any estimate as rough. A few marks either way can change the grade.
What a good grade looks like in practice
- Grades 7 to 9: strong grades, often needed for competitive A level subjects or sixth forms.
- Grades 5 and 6: solid grades that meet most sixth-form and college requirements.
- Grade 4: a standard pass, enough for many college courses and apprenticeships.
- Grades 1 to 3: below a standard pass. In English and maths, students continue studying after 16.
The best definition of a "good" grade is the one that gets you onto the course or job you want next.
Frequently asked questions
What is a grade 7 equal to in old grades?
The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of the old grade A. Grades 8 and 9 are above that, with 9 designed for the very highest performers.
Is grade 3 a fail?
Grade 3 is below the standard pass of grade 4, but it's still a GCSE grade on your certificate. In English and maths, students with grade 3 continue studying the subject after 16 and can resit.
Is a grade 5 a good GCSE grade?
Yes. Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and meets the requirements for many sixth-form and college courses. Some A level subjects ask for grade 6 or higher in the related GCSE.
Sources
Keep reading
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GCSE Maths Foundation vs Higher: which tier is right?
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IGCSE vs GCSE: what's the difference?
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