Exams in reformed English language, English literature and maths GCSEs will be taken for the first time in 2017. These will be graded from 9 to 1, instead of A* to G.
New Grades
Statistical predictions will be used in 2017 to ensure there is alignment between the new and current grading structures, such that:
- broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 4 and above as currently achieve a grade C and above
- broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 7 and above as currently achieve a grade A and above
- broadly the same proportion of students will achieve a grade 1 and above as currently achieve a grade G and above
The government’s definition of a ‘good pass’ will be set at grade 5 for reformed GCSEs. A grade 4 will continue to be a level 2 achievement. The Department for Education does not expect employers, colleges or universities to raise the bar to a grade 5 if a grade 4 would meet their requirements.
The new grading structure will be applied to other GCSE subjects in 2018 and 2019.
Grading Conversion Table
| NEW grading structure | Current grading structure |
|---|---|
| 9 | |
| A* | |
| 8 | |
| 7 | A |
| 6 | |
| B | |
| 5 | |
| C | |
| 4 | |
| D | |
| 3 | |
| E | |
| 2 | |
| F | |
| 1 | |
| G | |
| U | U |
Good Pass (DfE)
5 and above = top of C and above
Awarding
4 and above = bottom of C and above