Key points about the new 9-1 grading system
By 2019, all GCSE results will use the new system.
The idea behind the new grading system is that it allows more differentiation as there is an extra grade to play with.
A new grade 4 and above will be roughly the same as the ‘old’ grade C and above
Grade 5 will be considered a good pass (being slightly above the standard of the old grade C)
A new grade 7 and above will be roughly the same as the old grade A and above
A new grade 9 will be above the standard of the old A*
As with current GCSEs, if a student doesn’t do well enough to meet the minimum GCSE standard, they will be awarded a U
The changes have been made by the exam regulator Ofqual after a major consultation on reforming GCSEs. This is the biggest change to England’s exam structure since GCSEs replaced ‘O’ levels in 1988.
