The GCSE grading system in England was changed in 2017 and is now based on a numerical scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest. This change was introduced to align with a curriculum overhaul and put less emphasis on coursework, with grades in most subjects being decided by final exams. The new grading system is designed to provide more differentiation between students of different abilities, with more higher grades available compared to the previous A* to G system.
The new 9-1 grading scale is aligned to key grades on the old A* to G scale, with the bottom of grade 1 aligning with the bottom of grade G, the bottom of grade 4 aligning with the bottom of grade C, and the bottom of grade 7 aligning with the bottom of grade A. The proportion of students achieving a grade 4 and above is intended to be similar to the proportion achieving a grade C and above in the old system, while the proportions for grades 7 and above and grades 1 and above are intended to be similar to the proportions for grades A and above and grades G and above, respectively.
In Wales, GCSEs were reformed in 2015, but the grading system still uses the A* to G scale. Northern Ireland has also introduced a 9-point grading system, but students taking exams set by English exam boards will receive grades 9-1. Scotland has a separate qualifications system and does not use GCSEs.
