Understanding GCSE grades

and the transition to A-level

How current number grades 9-1 align to old letter A*-U. TOPT translation

4/C and above is considered to be a passing grade. 
7/A and above is a higher pass

We believe part of the reason for the switch numerical grades, was to blur the lines between grades. Previous the cut off between C/D was considered as pass/fail respectively. Now that line is more indistinct, with different people/places considering 4 or 5 the cut off between pass and fail.

Also numerical grades should allow schools and colleges to be more flexible, or demanding when selecting students for A-level courses, depending on the circumstances of that school. Most school this cut off is a higher pass, but if that is considered 6, 7, or 8 will depend on the school.

There was also the idea that adding a A** grade in future would not work. Now a grade 9 really translates to an A**. There is now the possibility of introducing a grade 10, and beyond in the future, with the idea of reflecting increasing standard of education and students.

These data show the percentage of students that achieved each grade 2023-2022.

Then which fraction of students achieved passing grade and above, or higher passing grades and above from 1988 to 2023.

The COVID-19pandemic, and closure of schools in the UK led to exams throughout the country being cancelled, with grades in 2020 and 2021 based on assessment by teachers and schools. Which led to more students achieving higher grades.

Grades in 2022 an 2023 seem to have returned to similar baseline graces which have been roughly consistent since 2010.

Data from 2024 is not yet available, because some students are having papers remarked, so not all grades are finalised and available.

percentage of GCSEs in 2022 and 2023 by grade level

https://www.statista.com/statistics/282422/gcse-grades-in-england/

percentage students with pass 4/C or higher

https://www.statista.com/statistics/282462/gcse-pass-rates-uk/

percentage students with higher pass 7/A or higher

https://www.statista.com/statistics/282537/gcse-highest-pass-rate-in-uk/

The progression to A-level

How GCSE grades translate to A-levels in Physics, Chemistry and Maths.

The progression from GCSE to A-level can be tough. At GCSE it is often enough to just pay attention in class, at A-level this isn't the case. Most school have had to cut teaching time for A-level students. So if students don't use their free time to study and do worksheets, they will underperform. This is one reason why we provide free worksheets on our website. We believe that work ethic is much better indicator of A-level performance compared to GCSE grades. 

A-level Worksheets