What is a GCSE pass now? Number grades explained – and what to do if you fail English or maths
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Students are graded on a numerical system from 9 to 1, rather than from A to E, after the system changed from letters to numbers in 2018.
Ofqual believes the numerical grading system helps to better differentiate between students and their abilities.
The exam body says that in theory there will be fewer 9s as 9, 8 and 7 all correspond to the top grades of A* and A, separating students at the top end of the spectrum.
In a normal year, GSCE grades in most subjects are dependent on exams but this year, as was the case in 2020, pupils have not sat exams due to the pandemic.
Instead, their teachers have been given the responsibility to award grades.
But what are the new grades?
The numerical grading scheme was brought in at the same time as a new GCSE curriculum in England.
The highest grade awarded is 9, with the lowest being 1, not including ungraded marks (U).
To help better differentiate the top grades, 9, 8 and 7 correspond to the previous top grades of A* and A.
The numerical gr...
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