How GCSE grades work

• Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics is graded and certificated on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1, with 9 the highest grade, based on the total mark across all three papers. [1]
• Individual papers are not graded; only the whole qualification gets a grade. [1]
• In GCSE Mathematics 1MA1, Foundation tier gives grades 1 to 5 and Higher tier gives grades 4 to 9, with a grade 3 allowed on Higher. [1]
• In GCSE Physics 1PH0, Foundation tier gives grades 1 to 5 and Higher tier gives grades 4 to 9, and a grade 3 may be awarded if the mark is only a small number of marks below the 4/3 boundary. [2]
• In GCSE Physics 1PH0, students must take all papers in the same tier. [2]
• Students who do not reach the minimum standard for grade 1 receive an unclassified result, shown as U. [2]
• Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) is also graded on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest grade. [3]
• The Government has said that grade 4 is a 'standard pass'. [4]
• Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and is equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system. [4]

Sources

1. Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics (1MA1) Specification, Issue 2
2. Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0) Specification, Issue 4, March 2024
3. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Physics (4PH1) Specification, Issue 2, April 2018 (copy hosted by a school website, not by Pearson)
4. AQA: 9 to 1 grading, what it means

Checked 23 October 2026. Grade boundaries change every year and are published by Pearson after each exam series.

Questions and answers

How does the 9 to 1 grading scale work?

GCSEs are graded 9 to 1, with 9 the highest grade. If you do not get enough marks for the lowest grade, you get a U, which means unclassified. Source

What is a standard pass and a strong pass?

Grade 4 is a standard pass and broadly equals an old grade C. The Department for Education set grade 5 and above as a strong pass. Source

How do the new grades compare to the old A* to G grades?

Grade 5 is roughly a high C or low B on the old scale. The number of grade 7s and above is based on the share of students who would have got an A or A*. Source

What is the highest grade on Foundation and Higher papers?

Foundation tier covers grades 5 to 1, so 5 is the highest. Higher tier covers grades 9 to 4, with a grade 3 allowed if you just miss a 4. Source

When are grade boundaries published?

Grade boundaries are the minimum marks needed for each grade. They are set after marking is finished and published on the Pearson website from results day. Source

Do I need a grade 4 in English and maths?

If you do not get grade 4 or above in English and maths, you will keep studying them after 16 in England. With a grade 3 you must work towards the GCSE again. Source