UK Grading System Explained: GCSE 9-1, A-Levels & University Degrees
đ Quick Overview
The UK uses different grading systems for each education level. This guide covers all aspects of UK grading, from GCSE through university degrees, with US GPA conversions.
9-1
GCSE Scale
(9 is highest)
A*-E
A-Level Grades
(A* is highest)
1st-3rd
University Class
(First is highest)
The United Kingdom's education system features distinct grading scales for different academic levels, with significant reforms introducing new numerical grades for GCSEs in 2017. This comprehensive guide explains the UK grading system across all educational levels, provides conversions to the US GPA system, and includes essential information for international students.
Key Takeaways
- GCSE grades use a 9-1 scale introduced in 2017 (9 being highest, grade 4 = standard pass)
- A-Levels use letter grades from A* to E (A* = 90%+)
- University degrees use First (70%+), 2:1 (60-69%), 2:2 (50-59%), Third (40-49%) classifications
- Scottish system has National 4/5, Highers, and Advanced Highers
- Grade 3 or below in English/Maths requires resit
GCSE Grading System (England): The 9-1 Scale
In 2017, England introduced a new GCSE grading system using numbers 9 to 1 instead of the traditional A* to G letters. The reform was rolled out progressively, with all subjects switching to the new system by 2020. This change was designed to better recognize high achievers and provide clearer differentiation between performance levels.
đŻ Key Grade Thresholds
- Grade 9: The highest grade - designed to recognize exceptional performance (higher than old A*)
- Grade 7: Bottom of this grade aligns with bottom of old A
- Grade 5: "Strong pass" - typically required by sixth forms for A-Level entry
- Grade 4: "Standard pass" - bottom of this grade aligns with bottom of old C
- Grade 3 or below: Students must resit English and/or Mathematics
- U (Ungraded): Fail - no GCSE certificate awarded
đ How the Grades Map
The 9-1 scale is not directly equivalent to A*-G, but they meet at key grade boundaries:
- ⢠Three grades (9, 8, 7) cover the same ground as two old grades (A*, A)
- ⢠Grade 9 = High A* (only awarded to top 3-4% of students)
- ⢠Grade 8 = Low A*/High A
- ⢠Grade 7 = Low A (bottom aligned with old A)
- ⢠Grade 6 = High B
- ⢠Grade 5 = Low B/High C ("strong pass")
- ⢠Grade 4 = Low C (bottom aligned with old C - "standard pass")
| New Grade (9-1) | Old Grade (A*-G) | Description | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | High A* | Exceptional (Top 3-4%) | A+ (4.0 GPA) |
| 8 | Low A*/High A | Excellent | A (3.7-4.0) |
| 7 | Low A | Very Good | A- (3.7) |
| 6 | High B | Good | B+ (3.3) |
| 5 | Low B/High C | Strong Pass â | B (3.0) |
| 4 | Low C | Standard Pass â | C (2.0) |
| 3 | D | Below Standard (Must Resit) | D (1.0) |
| 2 | E/F | Weak (Must Resit) | F (0.0) |
| 1 | G | Very Weak (Must Resit) | F (0.0) |
| U | U | Ungraded (Fail) | F (0.0) |
â Why Did the System Change?
The UK government introduced the 9-1 system to:
- ⢠Better recognize high achievers: Three top grades (9,8,7) instead of two (A*,A)
- ⢠Make grading clearer for employers: Numerical scale easier to understand
- ⢠Reduce emphasis on coursework: More focus on final exams
- ⢠Align with international standards: Many countries use numerical systems
đ Resit Requirements
Important: Students who achieve grade 3 or below in English and/or Mathematics are required to resit these subjects until they achieve at least grade 4 (standard pass). Most colleges and sixth forms require grade 4 in both English and Maths as a minimum entry requirement for A-Levels.
A-Level Grading System: University Entrance Qualifications
A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are the primary pathway to UK universities. Students typically study 3-4 A-Level subjects over two years (ages 16-18) and results determine university admission. Most universities make offers based on grades like AAA, ABB, or BBC.
đ Typical University Entry Requirements
- Oxford/Cambridge & Top Russell Group: A*A*A or AAA (mostly in specific subjects)
- Russell Group Universities: AAA to ABB (varies by course)
- Mid-Tier Universities: BBC to CCC
- Foundation Years/Access: CCD to DDE
Note: Competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering) typically require A*AA or higher.
| A-Level Grade | Percentage (UMS) | US Grade | US GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 90-100% | A+ | 4.0 |
| A | 80-89% | A | 3.7 |
| B | 70-79% | B | 3.3 |
| C | 60-69% | C | 3.0 |
| D | 50-59% | D | 2.0 |
| E | 40-49% | E | 1.0 |
| U | 0-39% | F | 0.0 |
đ A-Level Key Facts
- ⢠Structure: 2-year course (Year 12 & 13), final exams at end of Year 13
- ⢠Subject Choice: Students typically choose 3-4 subjects to specialize in
- ⢠Grade Boundaries: Set annually by exam boards after marking
- ⢠Results Day: Mid-August each year
- ⢠Resits: Can resit exams in following January or next summer
- ⢠AS Levels: Optional qualification at end of Year 12 (no longer counted toward A-Level grade)
University Degree Classifications: Honours Degrees
UK universities award honours degree classifications based on your overall percentage across all years of study (typically weighted more heavily toward final year). The classification you receive significantly impacts employment and postgraduate opportunities.
đŻ Employment Impact
- ⢠First Class (1st): Opens doors to top graduate schemes, PhDs, and competitive roles
- ⢠2:1: Minimum requirement for most graduate programs and professional training
- ⢠2:2: Accepted for many jobs but limits options for competitive graduate schemes
- ⢠Third Class (3rd): Fewer opportunities; may need work experience to compensate
| Classification | Percentage Range | US GPA | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours (1st) | 70-100% | 3.7-4.0 | Exceptional achievement (Top ~20% of students) |
| Upper Second Class (2:1) | 60-69% | 3.3-3.6 | Strong performance (Most common degree class ~45%) |
| Lower Second Class (2:2) | 50-59% | 2.7-3.2 | Satisfactory performance (~30% of students) |
| Third Class (3rd) | 40-49% | 2.0-2.6 | Pass but limited graduate prospects |
| Ordinary Degree | 35-39% | 1.7-1.9 | Pass without honours (rarely awarded) |
| Fail | 0-34% | 0.0 | No degree awarded |
đ First Class (1st) - 70%+
The highest classification, demonstrating exceptional understanding and critical analysis.
Career Prospects:
- ⢠Top graduate schemes (Investment Banking, Consulting)
- ⢠PhD funding & research positions
- ⢠Competitive international opportunities
- ⢠Fast-track management programs
â Upper Second (2:1) - 60-69%
Strong performance - the most common degree class and widely accepted standard.
Career Prospects:
- ⢠Most graduate training schemes
- ⢠Master's degree programs
- ⢠Professional qualifications (Law, Accounting)
- ⢠Strong employment opportunities
â Lower Second (2:2) - 50-59%
Satisfactory achievement - still a degree but limits some opportunities.
Career Prospects:
- ⢠Many entry-level positions
- ⢠Some graduate schemes (less competitive)
- ⢠May need work experience for postgrad
- ⢠Teaching & public sector roles
Third Class (3rd) - 40-49%
Pass standard - limited graduate opportunities without additional qualifications.
Career Prospects:
- ⢠Entry-level non-graduate roles
- ⢠Work experience recommended
- ⢠Professional certifications helpful
- ⢠Some industries less classification-focused
đĄ Important Notes
- Weighting: Final year typically weighted 60-70%, second year 30-40%, first year may not count
- Grade Boundaries: 70% for a First is much harder to achieve than 70% in A-Levels
- Postgraduate Entry: Most UK Master's programs require at least 2:1 (60%+); PhD programs usually require First or high 2:1
- US Conversion: UK First (70%+) â US 3.7-4.0 GPA, NOT directly equivalent due to different grading philosophies
Scottish Qualifications: A Different System
Scotland has its own distinct qualifications framework that differs from the English system. Scottish students typically take Highers at age 17 (one year earlier than A-Levels), which are the main route to university.
đ´ó §ó ˘ó łó Łó ´ó ż Key Differences from English System
- ⢠Broader Study: Students typically take 4-5 Highers vs 3 A-Levels
- ⢠Earlier Completion: Highers completed at 17, one year before A-Levels
- ⢠Flexible Progression: Can enter university after Highers or study Advanced Highers
- ⢠Grade System: Uses A-D grading (no numerical system like England's GCSEs)
đ National 4 & 5 (Ages 14-16)
Equivalent to: GCSEs in England
Grades: National 5 uses A-D grading; National 4 is pass/fail
Purpose: Foundation for Highers
Typical Subject Load: 6-8 subjects
đ Highers (Age 17 - S5)
Equivalent to: Between A-Levels and AS-Levels
Grades: A (70%+), B (60-69%), C (50-59%), D (40-49%)
Purpose: Main university entrance qualification
Typical Subject Load: 4-5 subjects
đ Advanced Highers (Age 18 - S6)
Equivalent to: A-Levels
Grades: A-D (same as Highers)
Purpose: Optional further study; helpful for competitive courses
Typical Subject Load: 1-3 subjects
đ Scottish Baccalaureate
Equivalent to: Enhanced qualification alongside Highers
Components: 3 Highers + interdisciplinary project
Purpose: Demonstrates broader skills
Variations: Science, Languages, Social Sciences, Expressive Arts
| Scottish Higher Grade | Percentage | Comparison | US GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 70-100% | A-Level A grade | 3.7-4.0 |
| B | 60-69% | A-Level B grade | 3.3 |
| C | 50-59% | A-Level C grade | 3.0 |
| D | 40-49% | A-Level D/E grade | 2.0 |
đŻ Typical University Entry Requirements
- Top Universities (Edinburgh, St Andrews, Glasgow): AAAAB or AAAAA in Highers
- Competitive Courses (Medicine, Law): AAAAA + Advanced Highers
- Mid-Tier Universities: BBBB or ABBBB
- Note: Scottish students often enter directly into 2nd year of 4-year Scottish degrees
International Grade Equivalents
Converting UK grades to other systems requires understanding the specific qualification level. Use our Percentage to GPA Calculator for precise conversions.
â Frequently Asked Questions About UK Grading
How does the GCSE 9-1 grading scale work?
The GCSE 9-1 scale replaced the old A*-G system in 2017. Here's how it works:
- Grade 9: The highest grade - exceptional performance (top 3-4% of students)
- Grades 8-7: Equivalent to the old A*/A grades
- Grade 6: High B
- Grade 5: "Strong pass" - low B/high C (required by most sixth forms)
- Grade 4: "Standard pass" - equivalent to old grade C
- Grades 3-1: Below pass standard (must resit English and Maths)
- U: Ungraded - no certificate awarded
Three number grades (9, 8, 7) cover the same ground as the two previous top grades (A*, A), allowing better recognition of high achievers.
What is a good GCSE grade?
This depends on your goals:
- Grade 4 (Standard Pass): Minimum to "pass" - acceptable for most basic requirements
- Grade 5 (Strong Pass): Good grade - typically required by sixth forms for A-Level entry
- Grades 6-7: Very good - opens doors to competitive A-Level courses
- Grades 8-9: Excellent/Exceptional - puts you in top percentiles, excellent for Oxbridge aspirations
For sixth form entry: Most require grade 5+ in English and Maths, plus grade 6+ in subjects you want to study at A-Level.
How do UK university degree classifications work?
UK universities award honours degrees with four main classifications based on your overall percentage:
- First Class (1st) - 70%+: Highest honour, top ~20% of students. Opens doors to competitive graduate schemes and PhD programs.
- Upper Second (2:1) - 60-69%: Strong performance, most common class (~45%). Required for most graduate schemes.
- Lower Second (2:2) - 50-59%: Satisfactory, ~30% of students. Limits some graduate opportunities.
- Third Class (3rd) - 40-49%: Pass standard but fewer career prospects without additional qualifications.
Important: Final year is typically weighted 60-70%, so performing well in your final year is crucial!
What A-Level grades do I need for university?
Universities make offers based on three A-Level grades. Requirements vary significantly:
- Oxford/Cambridge & Top Universities: A*A*A or AAA (often in specific subjects)
- Russell Group Universities: AAA to ABB for most courses
- Mid-Tier Universities: BBC to CCC
- Competitive Courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering): A*AA or higher + additional tests (UCAT, LNAT, etc.)
Grade Percentages: A* = 90%+, A = 80-89%, B = 70-79%, C = 60-69%. Some universities also accept BTECs and other Level 3 qualifications.
How do UK grades convert to US GPA?
UK and US grading systems use different philosophies, but here are approximate conversions:
University Degrees:
- First Class (70%+) â 3.7-4.0 US GPA
- Upper Second/2:1 (60-69%) â 3.3-3.6 US GPA
- Lower Second/2:2 (50-59%) â 2.7-3.2 US GPA
- Third Class (40-49%) â 2.0-2.6 US GPA
A-Levels:
- A* â 4.0 GPA (A+)
- A â 3.7 GPA
- B â 3.3 GPA
- C â 3.0 GPA
Note: UK 70% â US 70%! UK grading is more stringent. Use our International GPA Calculator for precise conversions.
What's the difference between Scottish and English qualifications?
Scotland has a distinct qualifications framework:
Key Differences:
- Broader Study: Scottish students take 4-5 Highers vs 3 A-Levels
- Earlier Completion: Highers at age 17, one year before A-Levels
- University Entry: Can enter uni after Highers OR continue to Advanced Highers
- Degree Length: Scottish degrees are typically 4 years vs 3 years in England
Scottish Qualifications:
- National 4/5: Ages 14-16, equivalent to GCSEs
- Highers: Age 17 (S5), main university entrance qualification
- Advanced Highers: Age 18 (S6), equivalent to A-Levels
For UK Universities: Both systems are equally accepted - offers are tailored to your qualification type.
Do I need to resit GCSEs if I fail?
Yes, resits are mandatory for English and Maths if you score grade 3 or below.
Resit Rules:
- English and/or Maths grade 3 or below: MUST resit until you achieve at least grade 4 (standard pass)
- Other subjects: Not legally required to resit, but may affect sixth form/college entry
- When: November resits available, or wait until next summer
- Sixth Form Entry: Most require grade 4 in English and Maths as minimum, plus grade 5/6 in subjects you want to study at A-Level
Funding Note: If you're under 19 and don't have grade 4 in English and/or Maths, your college/sixth form must provide free resit opportunities.