We all know that GCSE grades are vital to the education system. They determine a student’s future in education and career prospects. Which is why, everyone needs to understand what they are and where GCSE grade boundaries come from. The GCSE grade boundaries for 2023 and 2024 were updated in 2017. We will move from the familiar A*-G letter grades to the number grades 9-1. Because, the start of the new 9-1 grading system adds an extra layer of complexity, leaving many students and parents in need of clarification about what grades to expect and their actual meaning. Maths, English language, and English literature are the first subjects to move towards this new grading system, with subjects changing in 2018 and remaining by 2020.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to GCSE grade boundaries 2023, explaining what they are, how they will work for students, and how to interpret your results. Furthermore, we will also look at the 9-1 grading system and the reformed GCSEs. As well as how the new grades compare to the old grades.
WHY WAS THE GCSE GRADING SYSTEM CHANGED?
Highest-performing children are now easily identifiable after introducing the new GCSE grading system and the change in marking. Understandably so, some of the questions have changed, too and are now a little more challenging. Because the goal is to find the very brightest students. To understand the comparison, in 2017, only 3% of students scored the much sought-after Grade 9.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE GCSES
GCSEs are critical exams before college. Therefore, they significantly impact students’ futures. Because, many colleges need at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above. Some even require five grade 6s. Moreover, some specific courses only take students with a grade of 6 or more in that subject. Some Universities often need a minimum of grade 4 in English, maths, and science. This is why the student has to work hard for a better result. Because at the moment, GCSEs are the primary way colleges gauge student abilities. So, they’re crucial for further education and careers.
Saying that, a 9-1 system is replacing the old A*-G grades. Grades 9, 8, and 7 are the highest, with seven, similar to an A. The old A* is between 8 and 9. A 6 or 5 is like a B, a four is near a C, and 3, 2, and 1 are between D, E, F, and G. The U mark for ungraded remains.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEW AND OLD GRADES, AND HOW DO THEY COMPARE?
The new GCSE grading system runs from 9-1, 1 being the lowest grade and nine being the highest. However, the old numerical system ran from A. The new system allows more differentiation among the higher grades, with grades 4-6 covering grades B and C and 7-9, covering the top grades of A and A* in the old grading system. Grade 9 is seen as surpassing an A*. Moreover, the topmost 20% of GCSE students scoring a grade 7 or more will attain a grade 9.
NEW GCSE GRADING SYSTEM
In 2017, the GCSE grading system changed from A to a numerical system of 9-1. Then, this change was implemented to bring the standards up to par with other high-performing countries. Moreover, it was to reflect the new and more demanding content of courses and their linear assessment.
NEW GRADING | Old GRADING |
9 | High A* |
8 | Low A* or High A Grade |
7 | Low A Grade |
6 | High B Grade |
5 | Low B or High C Grade |
4 | Low C Grade |
3 | D or High E Grade |
2 | Intense F or G Grade |
1 | Intense F or G Grade |
U | U |
To ensure continuity and fairness, this system has been designed so the bottom of grade 1 aligns with the bottom of grade G. Next, the bottom of grade 4 aligns with the bottom of grade C and the bottom of grade 7 lines up with the bottom of grade A. Under the old system, students who achieved a grade of C would now earn at least 4. Consequently, this makes it easier for educational establishments to compare the old and new grades.
Before the grading system changed, a C grade was a pass in GCSE. This is a 4 grade, which is a ‘normal pass’. Just like a C grade was needed for further study or jobs before, now a 4 grade is required. Moving to Grade 5, it has been labelled a ‘good pass’. However, it is worth noting that schools are now held to account for the percentage of students achieving grade 5 or higher. Regarding GCSE exam papers, the current foundation paper covers the grading scale 1-5. Moreover, the current higher paper covers the grading scale of 3-9.
WHY THEY CHANGED THE GCSE GRADING SYSTEM?
If you have made it this far you must know that GCSEs in England have been changed. First, all courses are examined at the end of the course rather than in modules throughout. Second, there is also less coursework than in the old GCSEs. Finally, they also hold new and more demanding content to bring English standards up to match those in other high-performing countries.
However, changing this grading system is a straightforward way that the GCSE courses have changed. Furthermore, they also hope the new system will give sixth forms. Colleges, universities and employers have a better idea of what level someone is working at. As, this allows them the opportunity to distinguish between the various grades, such as 7, 8, and 9.
WHAT ARE THE GCSE GRADE BOUNDARIES?
The GCSE Grade Boundaries tell us the minimum marks students must achieve to receive a grade. This boundary differs for each subject and varies slightly each year to ensure the system is fair for students. However, each year, grade boundaries are set by senior examiners, and grade boundaries will determine whether a student achieves a grade 1, 2, 3, … etc.
WHEN DO THE GCSE GRADE BOUNDARIES COME IN?
Grade boundaries are first introduced on GCSE results day. Much like A-Levels, they first appear on results day. However, this was changed to try to reduce stress amongst students trying to predict their grades. The grade boundaries from previous years are seen on the websites of each exam board.
WHAT WERE THE GCSE GRADE BOUNDARIES IN 2022?
Each exam board sets GCSE grade boundaries on the papers they have selected. We will look at the grade boundaries for each exam board in 2022.
EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS GRADE BOUNDARIES 2022
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 194 | 165 | 137 | 104 | 71 | 38 | 21 | ||
Foundation | 173 | 135 | 100 | 66 | 32 |
AQA GCSE MATHS GRADE BOUNDARIES 2022
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 242 | 200 | 158 | 120 | 82 | 45 | 26 | ||
Foundation | 170 | 119 | 85 | 52 | 19 |
WJEC EDUQAS GCSE MATHS GRADE BOUNDARIES 2022
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 170 | 136 | 103 | 77 | 52 | 27 | 14 | ||
Foundation | 125 | 99 | 73 | 47 | 21 |
GCSE GRADE BOUNDARIES IN 2023?
Although students taking their exams in 2023 did not suffer school closures during their GCSE years. But, it was recognised that their GCSE studies were still greatly disturbed. Therefore, actions were taken to make things fair for these students.
EDEXCEL GCSE MATHS GRADE BOUNDARIES 2023
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 203 | 174 | 145 | 112 | 79 | 47 | 31 | ||
Foundation | 182 | 147 | 109 | 71 | 33 |
OCR GCSE MATHS GRADE BOUNDARIES 2023
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 242(194) | 193(154) | 144(115) | 109(87) | 74(59) | 39(31) | 21(17) | ||
Foundation | 178(142) | 129(103) | 92(74) | 56(45) | 20(16) |
WJEC EDUQAS GCSE MATHS GRADE BOUNDARIES 2023
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 187 | 152 | 117 | 88 | 60 | 32 | 18 | ||
Foundation | 133 | 105 | 77 | 49 | 21 |
All scores are based on a total of 240, except for OCR, which is based on 300. The numbers in brackets next to the OCR scores show the scores if they were also out of 240 for easier comparison.
WHAT IS A PASSING GRADE FOR MATHS GCSE PAPERS
Grade 4 at GCSE is considered to be a ‘standard pass’. Grade 5 is considered to be a ‘strong pass’.
WHAT ARE THE GRADE BOUNDARIES FOR GCSE MATHS?
The maths GCSE grade boundaries vary each year. The grade boundaries for GCSE mathematics in 2023 were:
EDEXCEL MATHEMATICS GRADE BOUNDARIES
9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
Higher | 203 | 174 | 145 | 112 | 79 | 47 | 31 | ||
Foundation | 182 | 147 | 109 | 71 | 33 |
IS THE NEW GRADING SYSTEM IN EFFECT FOR ALL SUBJECTS IN THE GCSE?
The GCSE grade boundaries number was introduced last year, but only for English language, English literature and maths. However, this year, 20 more subjects were added to the system, with the rest added by 2020, meaning students will still receive a mixture of numbers and letters for their grades this summer.
The subjects that will be added to the 2023 GCSE grade boundaries are:
- Ancient languages (classical Greek, Latin)
- Art and design
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Citizenship studies
- Combined science (double award)
- Computer science
- Dance
- Drama
- Food preparation and nutrition
- Geography
- History
- Modern foreign languages (French, German, Spanish)
- Music
- Physics
- Physical education
- Religious studies
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, understanding the GCSE Grade Boundaries 2023 is crucial for students, parents, and educators. Moreover, the grading system has significantly changed in recent years, with a new scale replacing the traditional letter grades.
The students must understand grade boundaries and the differences between subjects and exam boards. Furthermore, students aim to perform to the best of their abilities rather than focusing on achieving a specific grade.
Besides, teachers and schools play a vital role in supporting students and providing accurate information about grading systems and grade boundaries. Resulting in Students making educated decisions and progress towards their academic targets by fully understanding the grading system and grade boundaries.
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