GCSE Results for 2022 is out this week. Pupils are eager to see the results of their hard work and determination.  Most pupils can get their GCSE results from 8am onwards (August 25).

You may know that the Grading system of GCSE has changed.   Initially the new number based grading system came into effect in 2017 for certain subjects with fully rolled out by 2020.

Previously, GCSEs were graded using a letters-based system: A* to G. Typically, A* was the peak result, C was an average score, with G being the lowest, below an F.  Bit now things are different and we have a number-based grading system (1-9) in place.

So here, we will explain what these numbers mean as well as different grade boundaries.

In Summary, 9 is the highest grade you can get, and 1 is the lowest.

If you compare it with old letter grading system:

If you want to think about it in terms of the old, letters system, then they are comparable to:

• Grade 9 is the equivalent of above an A*
• Grade 8 is the equivalent of in between grades A* and A
• Grade 7 is the equivalent of a grade A
• Grade 6 is the equivalent of just above a grade B
• Grade 5 is the equivalent of in between grades B and C
• Grade 4 is the equivalent of a grade C
• Grade 3 is the equivalent of in between grades D and E
• Grade 2 is the equivalent of in between grades E and F
• Grade 1 is the equivalent of in between grades F and G.

So, if you’re looking for that hard-earned A or A*, you’re looking for a 7, 8 or 9 on your results slip.

Currently, this is just the grading system for England and Wales. Northern Ireland uses the A* to G grading system, while Scotland uses grades A, B, C and D in its GCSE-equivalent qualification, the National 5.