Hundreds of thousands of students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are awaiting GCSE results. In England, GCSEs use a numerical grading system from 9 to 1, replacing the previous A-to-U letter system.
The 9-1 grading scheme was implemented alongside a curriculum overhaul in England in 2014. The rollout began in 2017 with English language, English literature, and maths, and by 2020, all subjects adopted the new system.
While not directly equivalent, the numerical and letter scales align at certain points. For example, the bottom of grade 7 corresponds to the bottom of grade A, and the bottom of grade 4 aligns with the bottom of grade C. Three number grades (9, 8, and 7) correspond to the previous top grades of A* and A.
Grade boundaries, which determine the lowest mark needed for a grade, are decided annually by examiners and published on results day. A grade 4 is considered a pass. However, pupils achieving a grade 3 or below in maths or English language must continue studying the subject(s) in the following academic year.
The numerical grading was introduced by then-Conservative Education Secretary Michael Gove. The changes aimed to reduce emphasis on coursework, with grades in most subjects determined by final exams, and to make qualifications more challenging.