GCSE grades: The 9-1 boundaries explained

With the introduction of the new 9-1 grading system for GCSEs in England, there has been some confusion about what the boundaries mean and how they are set.

The 9-1 grading system replaced the old A*-G system in order to provide more differentiation between students’ abilities and to align with international standards.

The boundaries for each grade are set by exam boards based on a statistical measure called the ‘grade boundary mark’ which is the minimum mark needed to achieve a particular grade.

Each year, these grade boundaries can vary depending on the difficulty of the exam and the performance of students overall.

For example, a Grade 4 might require a score of 50% one year but 55% the next year, depending on how well students perform on the exam overall.

It’s important to remember that the grades are not set in stone and can vary each year, so it’s essential for students to focus on their own performance rather than comparing themselves to previous years.

Overall, the 9-1 grading system provides a more detailed and accurate representation of students’ abilities and helps prepare them for further education or the workforce.

By understanding how the grade boundaries are set and how they can fluctuate, students can better prepare themselves for their exams and accurately gauge their own performance.

While the new system may seem daunting at first, with the right preparation and understanding, students can achieve their desired grades and pave the way for a successful future.