UK Grading System: GCSE, A-Levels, and University Degree Classifications
The United Kingdom's education system features distinct grading scales for different academic levels, with recent reforms introducing new numerical grades for GCSEs. This comprehensive guide explains the UK grading system across all educational levels and provides essential information for international students.
Key Takeaways
- GCSE grades now use a 9-1 scale (9 being highest)
- A-Levels use letter grades from A* to E
- University degrees use First, 2:1, 2:2 classifications
- Scottish system has its own qualifications
- Different requirements for international students
GCSE Grading System (England)
| New Grade (9-1) | Old Grade (A*-G) | Description | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | A* | Exceptional | A+ |
| 8 | A*/A | Excellent | A |
| 7 | A | Very Good | A- |
| 6 | B | Good | B+ |
| 5 | B/C | Strong Pass | B |
| 4 | C | Standard Pass | C |
| 3 | D | Below Standard | D |
| 2 | E/F | Weak | F |
| 1 | G | Very Weak | F |
A-Level Grading System
A-Levels are the main university entrance qualification in the UK. Compare your grades using our International GPA Calculator.
| Grade | Percentage Uniform Mark | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 90-100% | A+ |
| A | 80-89% | A |
| B | 70-79% | B |
| C | 60-69% | C |
| D | 50-59% | D |
| E | 40-49% | E |
University Degree Classifications
| Classification | Percentage | US GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours (1st) | 70%+ | 4.0 |
| Upper Second Class (2:1) | 60-69% | 3.3-3.7 |
| Lower Second Class (2:2) | 50-59% | 2.7-3.0 |
| Third Class (3rd) | 40-49% | 2.0-2.3 |
Scottish Qualifications
Scotland has its own education system with different qualifications. Calculate your grade equivalents using our Grade Calculator.
Scottish Qualification Levels
- National 4 & 5 (equivalent to GCSEs)
- Highers (main university entrance qualification)
- Advanced Highers (similar to A-Levels)
- Scottish Baccalaureate
International Grade Equivalents
Converting UK grades to other systems requires understanding the specific qualification level. Use our Percentage to GPA Calculator for precise conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GCSE grade?
Grade 4 (old grade C) is considered a standard pass, while grade 5 is a strong pass. Grades 7-9 (old grades A-A*) are considered excellent achievements.
How many A-Levels do I need for university?
Most universities require three A-Levels, though competitive courses may require more. Typical offers range from AAA to BBC, depending on the university and course.
What grades do international students need?
Requirements vary by university and course but typically include strong academic grades in your home country's system plus English language proficiency (usually IELTS or equivalent).
How do UK university grades convert to GPA?
UK degree classifications typically convert as follows: First ≈ 4.0, 2:1 ≈ 3.3-3.7, 2:2 ≈ 2.7-3.0. For precise conversions, use our International GPA Calculator.