This summer’s exam results will see the first appearance of the new GCSE grades 1 to 9 as they begin to be phased in. Curriculum and assessment specialist Suzanne O’Farrell gives us 10 useful facts about the new numerical system

We are now only a few months away from pupils sitting exams under the new GCSE grading system in English language, English literature and maths. So let’s remind ourselves why the government believes that 9 to 1 is an improvement on A* to G.

Under the old system, there are four grades between a grade C and a grade A*, whereas under the new system there are six grades (4 to 9) covering the same range. The rationale is that this allows for greater differentiation between candidates and better recognises exceptional performance, with a grade 9 equivalent to the top end and above of an A*.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here