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Grade Boundaries

GCSE Grade Boundaries 2024: Everything You Need To Know.

Grade boundaries provide a clear framework for interpreting raw marks, ensuring consistent standards from one year's GCSE exams to the next. Although you won't know the exact thresholds for your 2024 GCSE exams until results day, familiarising yourself with past grade boundaries can offer valuable insights into the level of performance needed to achieve your goals.

By using these benchmarks alongside practice papers, you can gauge your current standing, understand the impact of your revision efforts and identify where you need to improve.

SubjectYearBoardMonthMaximum MarkGrade 9Grade 8Grade 7Grade 6Grade 5Grade 4Grade 3Grade 2Grade 1
Art & Design (3D Design)2024AQAJun48040337134030326623016610340
Art & Design (Art,Craft & Des)2024AQAJun48040337134030326623016610340
Art & Design (Fine Art)2024AQAJun48040337134030326623016610340
Art & Design (Graphic Comm)2024AQAJun48040337134030326623016610340
Art & Design (Photography)2024AQAJun48040337134030326623016610340
Art & Design (Textiles Design)2024AQAJun48040337134030326623016610340
Bengali Tier F2024AQAJun240----131106815632
Bengali Tier H2024AQAJun2402061801541281027663--
Biology Tier F2024AQAJun200----132113825222
Biology Tier H2024AQAJun20014112611290694837--
Business2024AQAJun1801351261171049280583614
Chemistry Tier F2024AQAJun200----133112825324
Chemistry Tier H2024AQAJun20014913011290684635--
Chinese (Spoken Mand) Tier F2024AQAJun240----136114845424
Chinese (Spoken Mand) Tier H2024AQAJun240202166130113967970--
Citizenship Studies2024AQAJun160135124114998469503214
Computer Science Opt A (C#)2024AQAJun1801521401281088868503214
Computer Science Opt B (Python)2024AQAJun1801521401281088868503214
Computer Science Opt C (Vb.Net)2024AQAJun1801521401281088868503214
Dance2024AQAJun40033030528024921818814410056
Design And Technology2024AQAJun20017415914512811194694521
Drama2024AQAJun20016515314212611094704623
Economics2024AQAJun1601301221151028977583920
Engineering2024AQAJun200175163151135120105774922
English Language2024AQAJun160121111102928273543516
English Literature2024AQAJun160137121106907458422712
Food Preparation And Nutrition2024AQAJun20017416014612911296714621
French Tier F2024AQAJun240----1591421026324
French Tier H2024AQAJun240195172150135121107100--
Geography2024AQAJun252202182162142123104764820
German Tier F2024AQAJun240----1751551116724
German Tier H2024AQAJun24020218015914012210495--
History AA2024AQAJun1681111019179685740248
History AB2024AQAJun1681171059381695740248
History AC2024AQAJun1681131039381705942258
History AF2024AQAJun1681181069481685640248
History AH2024AQAJun1681151039179675640248
History AJ2024AQAJun1681161049280685640248
History BA2024AQAJun1681181059281716143258
History BC2024AQAJun1681161059483736344268
History BD2024AQAJun1681151039181716143258
History BE2024AQAJun1681171059382716042258
History BJ2024AQAJun1681171059382716042258
History BL2024AQAJun1681191079584736244268
History CA2024AQAJun1681161049280695841248
History CB2024AQAJun1681181069482705841248
History CC2024AQAJun1681181069482716042258
History CD2024AQAJun1681151039180695841248
History CG2024AQAJun1681191079583715942258
History CJ2024AQAJun1681171059381695740248
History CL2024AQAJun1681191079583715942258
History CM2024AQAJun1681161049280685740248
History DA2024AQAJun1681161049281706042258
History DC2024AQAJun1681181069483726244268
History DD2024AQAJun1681151039180706042258
History DE2024AQAJun1681171059381705942258
History DJ2024AQAJun1681171059381705942258
History EC2024AQAJun1681161049280685740248
History EH2024AQAJun1681141029078665438238
History FA2024AQAJun1681181049179675539249
History FB2024AQAJun1681171059380675539249
History FC2024AQAJun1681141039381695741259
History FD2024AQAJun1681141029078665539249
History FE2024AQAJun1681161049279665439249
History FF2024AQAJun1681181069480675439249
History FG2024AQAJun1681181069481685640249
History FJ2024AQAJun1681161049279665439249
History FL2024AQAJun1681181069481685640249
History FM2024AQAJun1681151039178665439249
History GA2024AQAJun1681161049281705942259
History GB2024AQAJun1681181069482705942259
History GC2024AQAJun1681181069483726143269
History GD2024AQAJun1681151039180695942259
History GE2024AQAJun1681221079381695841259
History GF2024AQAJun1681191079582705841259
History GG2024AQAJun1681211089583716043269
History GH2024AQAJun1681161049280695841259
History GJ2024AQAJun1681171059381695841259
History GK2024AQAJun1681191079582705841259
History GL2024AQAJun1681221089583716043269
History GM2024AQAJun1681161049280695841259
History HA2024AQAJun1681181059280685640249
History HB2024AQAJun1681181069481685640249
History HC2024AQAJun1681161059482705841259
History HD2024AQAJun1681151039179675640249
History HE2024AQAJun1681171059380675539249
History HF2024AQAJun1681191079581685539249
History HG2024AQAJun1681221089582695741259
History HH2024AQAJun1681161049279675539249
History HJ2024AQAJun1681171059380675539249
History HK2024AQAJun1681191079581685539249
History HL2024AQAJun1681211089582695741259
History HM2024AQAJun1681161049279675539249
History JA2024AQAJun1681141039280695841259
History JB2024AQAJun1681181069482705841259
History JC2024AQAJun1681191069482716043269
History JD2024AQAJun1681151039180695841259
History JE2024AQAJun1681171059381695741259
History JF2024AQAJun1681191079582695741259
History JG2024AQAJun1681181069583715942259
History JH2024AQAJun1681161049280685741259
History JJ2024AQAJun1681171059381695741259
History JK2024AQAJun1681191079582695741259
History JL2024AQAJun1681211089583715942259
History JM2024AQAJun1681161049280685741259
History KB2024AQAJun1681161049279665338239
History KC2024AQAJun1681161049279675539249
History KD2024AQAJun1681131018977655338239
History KF2024AQAJun1681171059379655237239
History KG2024AQAJun1681171059380675439249
History KL2024AQAJun1681171059380675439249
History LA2024AQAJun1681151039178655338238
History LB2024AQAJun1681171059379665338238
History LC2024AQAJun1681171059380675539238
History LE2024AQAJun1681161049278655237228
History LG2024AQAJun1681181069480675438238
History LJ2024AQAJun1681161049278655237228
History LL2024AQAJun1681181069480675438238
History MA2024AQAJun1681161049280685740248
History MB2024AQAJun1681181069481695740248
History MC2024AQAJun1681181069482705942258
History ME2024AQAJun1681171059380685640248
History MG2024AQAJun1681191079582705841248
History ML2024AQAJun1681191079582705841248
History NA2024AQAJun1681161049279665438238
History NB2024AQAJun1681181069480675438238
History NC2024AQAJun1681181069481685640248
History ND2024AQAJun1681151039178665438238
History NE2024AQAJun1681171059379665338238
History NF2024AQAJun1681191079581675338238
History NG2024AQAJun1681191079581685539238
History NH2024AQAJun1681161049279665338238
History NK2024AQAJun1681191079581675338238
History NL2024AQAJun1681191079581685539238
History NM2024AQAJun1681161049279665338238
History OA2024AQAJun1681161049280685640248
History OB2024AQAJun1681181069481685640248
History OG2024AQAJun1681191079582695740248
History OJ2024AQAJun1681171059380675539238
History OL2024AQAJun1681191079582695740248
History PJ2024AQAJun1681151039177635036228
History QA2024AQAJun1681151049481695741259
History QB2024AQAJun1681201089683705741259
History QC2024AQAJun1681191079683715942259
History QD2024AQAJun1681171059381695741259
History QE2024AQAJun1681191079582695640249
History QF2024AQAJun1681211099783695640249
History QG2024AQAJun1681211099784715841259
History QJ2024AQAJun1681191079582695640249
History QL2024AQAJun1681211099784715841259
History QM2024AQAJun1681181069481685640249
History RA2024AQAJun1681181069583726143269
History RB2024AQAJun1681211099785736143269
History RC2024AQAJun1681211099785746345279
History RD2024AQAJun1681181069483726143269
History RE2024AQAJun1681201089684726043269
History RG2024AQAJun1681231109886746244269
History RH2024AQAJun1681191079583716043269
History RJ2024AQAJun1681201089684726043269
History RL2024AQAJun1681221109886746244269
History SA2024AQAJun1681231099582705841259
History SB2024AQAJun1681211099784715841259
History SC2024AQAJun1681211099784726043269
History SD2024AQAJun1681181069482705841259
History SE2024AQAJun1681201089683705741259
History SG2024AQAJun1681191089885725942259
History SH2024AQAJun1681191079582695741259
History SJ2024AQAJun1681201089683705741259
History SL2024AQAJun1681231109885725942259
History SM2024AQAJun1681191079582695741259
History TA2024AQAJun1681171069583716043269
History TB2024AQAJun1681211099784726043269
History TC2024AQAJun1681201089785736244269
History TD2024AQAJun1681181069482716043269
History TE2024AQAJun1681201089683715942259
History TF2024AQAJun1681221109885725942259
History TG2024AQAJun1681221109885736143269
History TH2024AQAJun1681191079583715942259
History TJ2024AQAJun1681201089683715942259
History TK2024AQAJun1681221109885725942259
History TL2024AQAJun1681221109885736143269
History TM2024AQAJun1681191079583715942259
History UA2024AQAJun1681171059380675539249
History UC2024AQAJun1681191079582695741259
History UE2024AQAJun1681181069480675439249
History UH2024AQAJun1681171059380675439249
History UL2024AQAJun1681201089682695640249
History UM2024AQAJun1681171059380675439249
Italian Tier F2024AQAJun240----1571411057035
Italian Tier H2024AQAJun2401971721471281109283--
Mathematics Tier F2024AQAJun240----1861571177737
Mathematics Tier H2024AQAJun240219191163129956144--
Media Studies2024AQAJun240189175162142123104764821
Modern Hebrew Tier F2024AQAJun240----1601351108560
Modern Hebrew Tier H2024AQAJun2402031731431231038474--
Music2024AQAJun240197184171155140125987145
Panjabi Tier F2024AQAJun240----1861671197124
Panjabi Tier H2024AQAJun240219198178159140121111--
Physical Education2024AQAJun260206192178160143126956434
Physics Tier F2024AQAJun200----136122895624
Physics Tier H2024AQAJun200151136122103856758--
Polish Tier F2024AQAJun240----1601471066524
Polish Tier H2024AQAJun240196173150138126115109--
Psychology2024AQAJun2001581441301119274533211
Religious Studies (Sc) Opt A2024AQAJun102867870625446342210
Religious Studies (Sc) Opt C2024AQAJun10284756758494029199
Religious Studies (Sc) Opt D2024AQAJun10288797162534432209
Religious Studies (Sc) Opt E2024AQAJun10284756758494029199
Religious Studies (Sc) Opt F2024AQAJun10284756757483929199
Religious Studies A Option AA2024AQAJun204177165153138123109805122
Religious Studies A Option AB2024AQAJun204176164152134117100744823
Religious Studies A Option BA2024AQAJun204177164152136120104764821
Religious Studies A Option BB2024AQAJun20417516315113211395704622
Religious Studies A Option CA2024AQAJun204172160148132116100744822
Religious Studies A Option DA2024AQAJun204177165153137121105774922
Religious Studies A Option EA2024AQAJun204173161149133118103764922
Religious Studies A Option FA2024AQAJun204175163151134118102754822
Religious Studies A Option HA2024AQAJun204179167155140126112825222
Religious Studies A Option HB2024AQAJun204178166154137120103764923
Religious Studies A Option JA2024AQAJun204178164151137123110805122
Religious Studies A Option JB2024AQAJun204174162150133117101754923
Religious Studies A Option LA2024AQAJun204172160149133117102754821
Religious Studies A Option LB2024AQAJun20417216014812911193694522
Religious Studies A Option MA2024AQAJun204177165154138122107784921
Religious Studies A Option MB2024AQAJun20417716515313411698724722
Religious Studies A Option NA2024AQAJun204173161150135120105774921
Religious Studies A Option NB2024AQAJun20417316114913111396714622
Religious Studies A Option OA2024AQAJun204179165152136120104764821
Religious Studies A Option PA2024AQAJun204174162150134118103764922
Religious Studies A Option QA2024AQAJun204170158146131116101744822
Religious Studies A Option RA2024AQAJun204172160148132116100744822
Religious Studies A Option SA2024AQAJun204180165151136121106785022
Religious Studies A Option TA2024AQAJun204177165153137121105774922
Religious Studies A Option UA2024AQAJun204173161149133118103764922
Religious Studies B Option XA2024AQAJun204179165152135118101744822
Religious Studies B Option XB2024AQAJun204182168155137119101744721
Religious Studies B Option YA2024AQAJun20417516114813011295704622
Religious Studies B Option YB2024AQAJun20418216615113211395704521
Sociology2024AQAJun20015814713612010590643812
Spanish Tier F2024AQAJun240----1601411026324
Spanish Tier H2024AQAJun24019517014513011610295--
Statistics Tier F2024AQAJun160----10885654627
Statistics Tier H2024AQAJun1601351169879604233--
Urdu Tier F2024AQAJun240----133117865524
Urdu Tier H2024AQAJun24022320318315713110592--
History Paper(s) 10 2A 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089582614019
History Paper(s) 10 2B 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221098463434221
History Paper(s) 10 2C 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089684624018
History Paper(s) 10 2E 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089582614019
History Paper(s) 10 2G 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089684624018
History Paper(s) 10 2K 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231109886644322
History Paper(s) 10 2M 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221099785634119
History Paper(s) 10 2N 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089582614019
History Paper(s) 10 2P 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221099684634221
History Paper(s) 10 2Q 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089684624018
History Paper(s) 10 2R 302024EdexcelJun1681451331211089583613918
History Paper(s) 10 2A 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201069279583717
History Paper(s) 10 2B 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079481603919
History Paper(s) 10 2C 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201079481593716
History Paper(s) 10 2D 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201069380583716
History Paper(s) 10 2E 312024EdexcelJun1681441321261069279583717
History Paper(s) 10 2F 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079481603919
History Paper(s) 10 2G 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201079481593716
History Paper(s) 10 2H 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201069380583716
History Paper(s) 10 2J 312024EdexcelJun1681431321211079481603918
History Paper(s) 10 2K 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221099683624120
History Paper(s) 10 2L 312024EdexcelJun1681431321211089583613917
History Paper(s) 10 2M 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211089582603817
History Paper(s) 10 2N 312024EdexcelJun1681451331201069279583717
HIstory Paper(s) 10 2P 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079481603919
History Paper(s) 10 2Q 312024EdexcelJun1681491341201079481593716
History Paper(s) 10 2R 312024EdexcelJun1681451321201069380583716
History Paper(s) 10 2T 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201069380593818
History Paper(s) 10 2U 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211089582614020
History Paper(s) 10 2W 312024EdexcelJun1681441321201079481593817
History Paper(s) 10 2K 322024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582624222
History Paper(s) 10 2P 322024EdexcelJun1681451331211079380604021
History Paper(s) 10 2R 322024EdexcelJun1681441321201069279583818
History Paper(s) 10 2H 332024EdexcelJun1681441321201069279583818
History Paper(s) 10 2J 332024EdexcelJun1681401301211079380604020
History Paper(s) 10 2K 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582624222
History Paper(s) 10 2L 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211089582614019
History Paper(s) 10 2M 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211079481603919
History Paper(s) 10 2N 332024EdexcelJun1681441321201069278583819
History Paper(s) 10 2P 332024EdexcelJun1681521361211079380604021
History Paper(s) 10 2Q 332024EdexcelJun1681481341201069380593818
History Paper(s) 10 2R 332024EdexcelJun1681441321201069279583818
History Paper(s) 10 2U 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211079481614122
History Paper(s) 11 2J 302024EdexcelJun1681481361241119885634120
History Paper(s) 11 2M 302024EdexcelJun1681481361241119886634119
History Paper(s) 11 2N 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231099683614019
History Paper(s) 11 2P 302024EdexcelJun1681481361241119885634221
History Paper(s) 11 2Q 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231109785624018
History Paper(s) 11 2R 302024EdexcelJun1681451341231109484624018
History Paper(s) 11 2T 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231109784624120
History Paper(s) 11 2W 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231109785634119
History Paper(s) 11 2A 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593817
History Paper(s) 11 2B 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582614019
History Paper(s) 11 2C 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603816
History Paper(s) 11 2D 312024EdexcelJun1681461361221089481593716
History Paper(s) 11 2E 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593817
History Paper(s) 11 2F 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582614019
History Paper(s) 11 2G 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603816
History Paper(s) 11 2H 312024EdexcelJun1681471341221089481593716
History Paper(s) 11 2J 312024EdexcelJun1681461341231099582603918
History Paper(s) 11 2K 312024EdexcelJun1681471351241109784624120
History Paper(s) 11 2L 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231109784613917
History Paper(s) 11 2M 312024EdexcelJun1681451341231099683613916
History Paper(s) 11 2N 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593817
History Paper(s) 11 2P 312024EdexcelJun1681491361231099582614019
History Paper(s) 11 2Q 312024EdexcelJun1681471341221089582603816
History Paper(s) 11 2R 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481593716
History Paper(s) 11 2T 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603918
History Paper(s) 11 2U 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099683624120
History Paper(s) 11 2V 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221099683613917
History Paper(s) 11 2W 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603817
History Paper(s) 11 2J 322024EdexcelJun1681471351231099581604020
History Paper(s) 11 2M 322024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582614019
History Paper(s) 11 2N 322024EdexcelJun1681461341221079379593919
History Paper(s) 11 2P 322024EdexcelJun1681471351231099581614121
History Paper(s) 11 2R 322024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 11 2T 322024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480604020
History Paper(s) 11 2D 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 11 2G 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603918
History Paper(s) 11 2H 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 11 2J 332024EdexcelJun1681431331231099581604020
History Paper(s) 11 2K 332024EdexcelJun1681481361241109683624222
History Paper(s) 11 2L 332024EdexcelJun1681471351231099683614019
History Paper(s) 11 2M 332024EdexcelJun1681451341231099582614019
History Paper(s) 11 2N 332024EdexcelJun1681451331221079379593919
History Paper(s) 11 2P 332024EdexcelJun1681471351231099581614121
History Paper(s) 11 2Q 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603918
History Paper(s) 11 2R 332024EdexcelJun1681451331221089480593818
History Paper(s) 11 2V 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582614019
History Paper(s) 11 2W 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603919
History Paper(s) 12 2D 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603817
History Paper(s) 12 2E 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603918
History Paper(s) 12 2H 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603817
History Paper(s) 12 2N 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603918
History Paper(s) 12 2P 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231099683624120
History Paper(s) 12 2R 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603817
History Paper(s) 12 2W 302024EdexcelJun1681461341221099683613918
History Paper(s) 12 2A 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211069278573616
History Paper(s) 12 2B 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 12 2D 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079379573615
History Paper(s) 12 2G 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079380583615
History Paper(s) 12 2H 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079379573715
History Paper(s) 12 2J 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593817
History Paper(s) 12 2K 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582614019
History Paper(s) 12 2L 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089582603816
History Paper(s) 12 2M 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481593716
History Paper(s) 12 2N 312024EdexcelJun1681461331211069278573616
History Paper(s) 12 2P 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 12 2Q 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079380583615
History Paper(s) 12 2R 312024EdexcelJun1681471341211079379573615
History Paper(s) 12 2T 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079379583717
History Paper(s) 12 2U 312024EdexcelJun1681451341221089481603919
History Paper(s) 12 2V 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079481593716
History Paper(s) 12 2W 312024EdexcelJun1681451331211079380583716
History Paper(s) 12 2J 322024EdexcelJun1681461341221079379593919
History Paper(s) 12 2A 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211069177573718
History Paper(s) 12 2D 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211069278573717
History Paper(s) 12 2N 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211069177573718
History Paper(s) 12 2Q 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211079379583717
History Paper(s) 12 2R 332024EdexcelJun1681451331211069278573717
History Paper(s) 13 2N 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231099683614019
History Paper(s) 13 2Q 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231109785624018
History Paper(s) 13 2R 302024EdexcelJun1681471351231109784624018
History Paper(s) 13 2D 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481593716
History Paper(s) 13 2H 312024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481593716
History Paper(s) 13 2J 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582603918
History Paper(s) 13 2K 312024EdexcelJun1681481361241109784624120
History Paper(s) 13 2L 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231109784613917
History Paper(s) 13 2M 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099683613917
History Paper(s) 13 2N 312024EdexcelJun1681491351221089480593817
History Paper(s) 13 2P 312024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582614019
History Paper(s) 13 2Q 312024EdexcelJun1681541381221089582603816
History Paper(s) 13 2R 312024EdexcelJun1681501361221089481593716
History Paper(s) 13 2P 322024EdexcelJun1681471351231099581614121
History Paper(s) 13 2R 322024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 13 2D 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 13 2M 332024EdexcelJun1681471351231099582614019
History Paper(s) 13 2N 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221079379593919
History Paper(s) 13 2R 332024EdexcelJun1681471341221089480593818
History Paper(s) 13 2T 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089480604020
History Paper(s) 13 2W 332024EdexcelJun1681461341221089481603919
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1A 2C 3A2024EdexcelJun2041461331211079380573411
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1A 2C 4A2024EdexcelJun2041491361211119885603511
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1A 2F 3A2024EdexcelJun20413912611499847049288
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1A 2F 4A2024EdexcelJun204142129117103897552308
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1B 2C 3B2024EdexcelJun2041471341221079277553413
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1B 2C 4A2024EdexcelJun2041501371251119784603613
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1B 2D 3B2024EdexcelJun204147134122103856747299
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1B 2E 4A2024EdexcelJun2041491361241099480573411
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1B 2F 3B2024EdexcelJun204140127115998367482910
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1B 2F 4A2024EdexcelJun2041431301181038874523110
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1C 2A 3C2024EdexcelJun20415714413211910693694623
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1C 2B 3C2024EdexcelJun204164151139126113100755127
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1C 2B 4B2024EdexcelJun204165152140126113100734620
Religious Studies A Paper(s) 1C 2F 3C2024EdexcelJun20415614313111710390674523
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1A 2C2024EdexcelJun2041471361261119681583513
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1A 2F2024EdexcelJun204131120110978471513112
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 2C2024EdexcelJun20415214113111610288633813
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 2D2024EdexcelJun2041451341241099480573513
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 2E2024EdexcelJun2041441331231109784613816
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 2F2024EdexcelJun2041401271151029078563412
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 2G2024EdexcelJun2041441331231089480573411
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 3C2024EdexcelJun20414813712711510392653812
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 3D2024EdexcelJun20414913812811410188633813
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1B 3G2024EdexcelJun20414913812811610564674013
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1C 2B2024EdexcelJun20415314213211710389633813
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1C 3B2024EdexcelJun204154145136125114103744618
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1D 2B2024EdexcelJun20415614513511810184613815
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1D 3B2024EdexcelJun20416014913912511198724620
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1E 2B2024EdexcelJun20415314213211710288644017
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1E 3G2024EdexcelJun20415214113111910897704418
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1F 2B2024EdexcelJun2041491381281139883603715
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1F 3B2024EdexcelJun20415314213212010897714520
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1G 2B2024EdexcelJun20415114013011610288633814
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1G 3B2024EdexcelJun204155144134123112102744619
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 1G 3C2024EdexcelJun20414913812811710695684114
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 2B 3C2024EdexcelJun2041471361261129885603612
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 2C 3B2024EdexcelJun20415514413412110895694318
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 2D 3B2024EdexcelJun20414813712711310087644118
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 2F 3B2024EdexcelJun2041391281181079685623917
Religious Studies B Paper(s) 2G 3B2024EdexcelJun20414713612611310087633916
Arabic (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1581361098255
Arabic (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun28022519616814612410392--
Arabic (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun28022519616814612410392--
Art, Craft & Design Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Art & Design: Fine Art Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Art & Design: Graphic Communication Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Art & Design: Photography Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Art & Design: Photography Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Art & Design: 3D Design Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Art & Design: Textile Design Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1801471341221058973523110
Astronomy Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun2001561401241099480604122
Biblical Hebrew Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun200162150138126114102856851
Biology (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F2024EdexcelJun200----130111815122
Biology (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H2024EdexcelJun200166152139116937160--
Business Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun18014713712811410086623916
Chemistry (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F2024EdexcelJun200----11999755128
Chemistry (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H2024EdexcelJun20014812810987664534--
Chinese (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1991571157331
Chinese (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802111841571301037764--
Computer Science Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1501191059176614734218
Citizenship Studies Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1601341241151008571513213
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02 1A2024EdexcelJun2001441311181038975543312
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02 1B2024EdexcelJun2001411291171038976543312
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02 1C2024EdexcelJun2001441311181038975533211
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02 1D2024EdexcelJun2001441311181038975533211
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02 1E2024EdexcelJun2001411291171038976553413
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02 1F2024EdexcelJun200140126113998571523314
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02T 1B2024EdexcelJun2001411291171038976543312
Design and Technology Paper(s) 02T 1F2024EdexcelJun200140126113998571523314
Drama Paper(s) 01 02 032024EdexcelJun240200188176160144128966432
Drama Paper(s) 01T 02T 032024EdexcelJun240200188176160144128966432
English Language Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1601321231141049484644526
English Language 2.0 Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun1601421321231109784644424
English Literature Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun160133122112988470513315
French (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1921681309356
French (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun28022619917214912610391--
French (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2FT 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1921681309356
French (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2HT 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun28022619917214912610391--
Geography A Paper(s) 01 02 032024EdexcelJun256209193177157138119845016
Geography B Paper(s) 01 02 032024EdexcelJun256210193177158139120865219
German (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1901611218141
German (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802201971741481239885NANA
German (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2HT 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802201971741481239885NANA
Greek (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----25920815710655
Greek (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280254236218200183166157NANA
Greek (Foundation Paper(s) 1F 2FT 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----25920815710655
Greek (Higher Paper(s) 1H 2HT 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280254236218200183166157--
Gujarati (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----152122926233
Gujarati (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun28024721919116313610995--
Italian (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----2031631238343
Italian (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280225231207179151123109--
Italian (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2HT 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280225231207179151123109--
Japanese (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1941561188144
Japanese (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802191941691441199481--
Mathematics (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F2024EdexcelJun240----1751421036527
Mathematics (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H2024EdexcelJun240197167137105734226--
Music Paper(s) 01 02 032024EdexcelJun200170160150137124111886543
Music Paper(s) 01 02T 032024EdexcelJun200170160150137124111886543
Music Paper(s) 01T 02T 032024EdexcelJun200170160150137124111886543
Persian (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----2091661238139
Persian (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280243223203183163143133--
Physical Education Paper(s) 01 02 03 042024EdexcelJun3502782612452232011801389655
Physical Education Paper(s) 01 02 03T 042024EdexcelJun3502782612452232011801389655
Physical Education Paper(s) 01 02 03 04T2024EdexcelJun3502782612452232011801389655
Physical Education Paper(s) 01 02 03T 04T2024EdexcelJun3502782612452232011801389655
Physics (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F2024EdexcelJun200----135119906234
Physics (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H2024EdexcelJun200161146131109876655--
Portuguese (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----2051631217938
Portuguese (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280254236219189159130115--
Portuguese (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2HT 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280254236219189159130115--
Psychology Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelJun18012110997837057422712
Russian (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----155124936231
Russian (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802281911541341149484--
Russian (Higher Paper(s) 1H 2HT 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802281911541341149484--
Spanish (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1921661309458
Spanish (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun28023920817815212710289NANA
Statistics (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F2024EdexcelJun160----9270503112
Statistics (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H2024EdexcelJun1601251068767472818--
Turkish (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F2024EdexcelJun160----9270503112
Statistics (Higher Paper(s) 1H 2H2024EdexcelJun1601251068767472818--
Turkish (Foundation Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----146118906234
Turkish (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun2802442181921581259225--
Urdu (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F 4F2024EdexcelJun280----1961681217427
Urdu (Higher) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H 4H2024EdexcelJun280267225224213182151135--
Ancient History2024OCRJun21017415714012310690715233
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Art and Design2024OCRJun200187175163146129112825324
Biology A (Gateway Science) Foundation Tier: 01+022024OCRJun180----11194694521
Biology A (Gateway Science) Higher Tier: 03+042024OCRJun180142131121104877061--
Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) Foundation Tier: 01+022024OCRJun180----10996755535
Biology B (Twenty First Century Science) Higher Tier: 03+042024OCRJun180143131119100816354--
Business2024OCRJun16011610696847260442914
Chemistry A (Gateway Science) Foundation Tier: 01+022024OCRJun180----114100755026
Chemistry A (Gateway Science) Higher Tier: 03+042024OCRJun180154140127107876858--
Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) Foundation Tier: 01+022024OCRJun180----8670533620
Chemistry B (Twenty First Century Science) H Higher Tier: 03+042024OCRJun18012811410081634536--
Citizenship Studies2024OCRJun2001531401281139883644526
Classical Civilisation Option A: 11+212024OCRJun1801451331221089582614019
Classical Civilisation Option B: 11+222024OCRJun1801461341231099683614019
Classical Civilisation Option C: 11+232024OCRJun1801471351231089379583717
Classical Civilisation Option D: 12+212024OCRJun1801401291191079583624120
Classical Civilisation Option E: 12+222024OCRJun1801411301201089684624120
Classical Civilisation Option F: 12+232024OCRJun1801421311201069380593818
Classical Greek Option A: 01+02+032024OCRJun20016814712611410290725436
Classical Greek Option B: 01+02+042024OCRJun20016814712611310088705436
Classical Greek Option C: 01+02+052024OCRJun2001671461251129987705336
Classical Greek Option D: 01+02+062024OCRJun20016814712611410290725436
Classical Greek Option E: 01+03+042024OCRJun20017014812711410290725436
Classical Greek Option F: 01+03+052024OCRJun20016914712611310189715336
Classical Greek Option G: 01+03+062024OCRJun20017014812711510392735436
Classical Greek Option H: 01+04+052024OCRJun20016914712611310087705336
Classical Greek Option J: 01+04+062024OCRJun20017014812711410290725436
Classical Greek Option K: 01+05+062024OCRJun20016914712611310189715336
Computer Science -2024OCRJun1601361261171028772523213
Design and Technology2024OCRJun2001521371221069075543414
Drama2024OCRJun200177167158143129115875932
Economics2024OCRJun16011810797847158443118
English Language2024OCRJun160130119109978573574126
English Literature2024OCRJun160133118103846648362413
Food Preparation and Nutrition2024OCRJun300235212190167145123926131
Geography A (Geographical Themes)2024OCRJun2001571411261109580573513
Geography B (Geography for Enquiring Minds)2024OCRJun20015814513211810592674319
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option AA: 01+08+112024OCRJun21017015514012310690643813
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option BA 02+08+112024OCRJun21017015514012210588633813
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option BB 02+09+122024OCRJun21016915413912010284603612
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option BC 02+10+132024OCRJun2101621471321149678563413
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option EA 05+08+112024OCRJun21016815313812110589633813
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option FA 06+08+112024OCRJun21017115614112410892653913
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option FB 06+09+122024OCRJun21017015514012210588623712
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option FC 06+10+132024OCRJun2101631481331169982593613
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option GA 07+08+112024OCRJun21016615113612010488633813
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option GB 07+09+122024OCRJun21016515013511810184603612
History A (Explaining the Modern World) Option GC 07+10+132024OCRJun2101581431281129478563413
History B (Schools History Project) Option AB: 11+21+332024OCRJun210148130113998673533314
History B (Schools History Project) Option AE: 11+21+382024OCRJun210146128111978471523314
History B (Schools History Project) Option AF: 11+21+392024OCRJun2101541351171028874543414
History B (Schools History Project) Option BB: 12+21+332024OCRJun2101531361191059279573514
History B (Schools History Project) Option BF: 12+21+392024OCRJun2101591411231089480583614
History B (Schools History Project) Option CF: 13+21+382024OCRJun210144127111978471523314
History B (Schools History Project) Option DB: 14+21+332024OCRJun2101521351191059279573514
History B (Schools History Project) Option DE: 14+21+382024OCRJun2101501331171039077563514
History B (Schools History Project) Option DF: 14+21+392024OCRJun2101581401231089480583614
History B (Schools History Project) Option EB: 15+21+332024OCRJun2101521341161028976553414
History B (Schools History Project) Option EF: 15+21+392024OCRJun2101581391201059177563514
History B (Schools History Project) Option FC: 16+21+342024OCRJun2101541351171038975543414
History B (Schools History Project) Option GB: 17+21+332024OCRJun2101531341161028874543414
History B (Schools History Project) Option GD: 17+21+362024OCRJun2101551371191048975543414
History B (Schools History Project) Option GF: 17+21+392024OCRJun2101591391201059075543414
History B (Schools History Project) Option HD: 18+21+362024OCRJun2101561371191048975543414
History B (Schools History Project) Option HF: 18+21+392024OCRJun2101601401201059075543414
Latin Option A: 01+02+032024OCRJun20017315714112410791704928
Latin Option B: 01+02+042024OCRJun20017215614012310690694828
Latin Option C: 01+02+052024OCRJun20017215614012310690694828
Latin Option D: 01+02+062024OCRJun20017315714112410892704828
Latin Option E: 01+03+042024OCRJun20017215614012310690694828
Latin Option F: 01+03+052024OCRJun20017215614012310690694828
Latin Option G: 01+03+062024OCRJun20017315714112410892704828
Latin Option H: 01+04+052024OCRJun20017115513912210589684828
Latin Option J: 01+04+062024OCRJun20017215614012310791704928
Latin Option K: 01+05+062024OCRJun20017215614012310791704928
Mathematics Foundation Tier: 01+02+032024OCRJun300----180131935518
Mathematics Higher Tier: 04+05+062024OCRJun300245195145110764225--
Media Studies2024OCRJun20016315214112510994694420
Music2024OCRJun200170159149136124112906847
Physical Education2024OCRJun200160150141128115103775126
Physics A (Gateway Science) H Higher Tier: 03+042024OCRJun180147135123104856656--
Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Foundation Tier: 01+02 Overall2024OCRJun180----11399765330
Physics B (Twenty First Century Science) Higher Tier: 03+042024OCRJun180144131118102867062--
Psychology2024OCRJun1801431321211058974553719
Religious Studies Option AA: 01+02+062024OCRJun252199183167146125105785125
Religious Studies Option AB: 01+03+062024OCRJun252193177161141122103775125
Religious Studies Option AC: 01+04+062024OCRJun252198182167146125105785125
Religious Studies Option AD: 01+05+062024OCRJun252198182167146125105785125
Religious Studies Option AE: 01+02+072024OCRJun252192175159140121103775125
Religious Studies Option AG: 01+04+092024OCRJun252198182167146125105785125
Religious Studies Option DA: 04+05+092024OCRJun252196181166145124104775125
English Language Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelNovember1601321231141049484644526
English Language 2.0 Paper(s) 01 022024EdexcelNovember1601421321231099582624324
Mathematics (Foundation) Paper(s) 1F 2F 3F2024EdexcelNovember-----1741411036629
Mathematics (Foundation) Paper(s) 1H 2H 3H2024EdexcelNovember240200170140107754327--

What is the best way to prepare for your GCSE exams?

Achieving success in your GCSE exams requires proper resources and effective strategies. Below are several ideas to help improve your performance:

  • Understand the Exam Format and Requirements: Use the exam board specifications to make a list of all the topics that are assessed in your GCSE exam for each subject. The specification also tells you the percentage that each paper contributes towards your final grade, how much time you get in the exam, and which topics are covered in each paper.

    Take a look at a set of GCSE past papers for each subject so you know how much reading there is to do on each paper, how many questions there are, what type of questions come up, and if different sections of a paper have different requirements. The more you know in advance, the better prepared you will be for your GCSE exams.

  • Create a Study Plan: Use your list of topics for each GCSE subject, and rate each one with your level of confidence. Create a weekly study schedule that you can stick to. Plan your revision sessions around your extracurricular activities and give yourself time for breaks. You may find it useful to use a calendar app or a study planner to stay organised.

  • Focus on Weak Areas: You will quickly see that you do not have enough time to revise every topic for every subject, so you need to prioritise. Give more revision time to the topics you are least confident in; this is where you can make the biggest difference in your GCSE grades.

  • Practice with Past Papers: Often GCSE students overlook the importance of practising the exam itself. Sitting an GCSE exam successfully requires a whole new skill set; can you physically write for 3 hours straight? Can you hold your concentration for 3 hours without taking a break? You need to build up your stamina, and you can only do that through practice. Print out the GCSE past exam paper, set your timer, put away your phone, textbooks and notes and sit the paper under exam conditions.

    Keep an eye on the time and see how you do, the more you practice this the easier it will get. Here at Save My Exams we have arranged all the GCSE past papers by subject and exam board so you can easily find everything you need all in one place.

  • Take Care of Yourself: The most important thing to remember during your GCSE revision process and during exam season is to look after yourself. A well-rested brain is a powerhouse, but if you are tired your brain struggles to retain and recall information. Therefore, you need to get around 8 hours of quality sleep each night. You need to take lots of breaks between study sessions. You need to eat well, get regular exercise and stay hydrated to give your brain everything it needs to perform at its best. As with everything in life, balance is key. With all this hard work, you need to make time for things you enjoy. You can use this downtime as a reward to help keep you motivated. Yes, you can watch your favorite TV show - after you finish your GCSE revision for the day.

    The run up to exam season can be a very stressful time. Talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling and allow them to support you through this time. If you find that you are struggling physically or emotionally, reach out to someone you trust for help. You can contact your GP, or you can find information about mental heath support at Young Minds and Mind.

  • Make Use of Online Resources: Revision is a huge task, but you don't need to do everything yourself. There are lots of online resources available to help with your revision. Here at Save My Exams, we believe in providing you with everything you need to get the best possible GCSE grades with the least possible effort. We have a team of expert teachers and examiners creating high quality, exam board specific GCSE revision notes, exam questions and flashcards, organised by topic so you can easily find exactly what you need.

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What are GCSE grade boundaries?

Grade boundaries are the thresholds set by examination boards to determine the final grades of students based on their exam performance. They set the minimum mark a student needs to achieve to get a particular grade.

Grade boundaries play a crucial role in the education system. They ensure that grades reflect students' knowledge, understanding and mastery of the subjects they have studied. These boundaries are established by the different exam boards, including AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. They are significant for students as they influence final grades, academic progression, and future opportunities.

What is the 9-1 grading system?

The 9-1 grading system was introduced to replace the traditional A*- G grades, aiming to provide a more accurate measure of student performance.

The new system ranges from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest). It was designed to increase the challenge for students and create clearer differentiation among their abilities. The transition from the old to the new grading system began in 2017. It aimed to make the grading criteria more rigorous and more reflective of students' knowledge, understanding and skills.

Comparison between new and old GCSE grades

Old gradesNew grades
A*9
8
A7
B6
High C5 (strong pass)
Low C4 (standard pass)
D

3

2

1

E
F
G
UU

A grade 4 is the new minimum standard for colleges, universities and employers. This is equivalent to a low C on the old grading system. A grade 5 is a strong pass, this is equivalent to a high C. A grade 7 is equivalent to an A, and a grade 9 is higher than the old A* grade. The new grading system helps to differentiate between students scoring the higher grades. The old system had three top grades: B, A and A*. The new grading system has four top grades: 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Why are the grade boundaries important?

Grade boundaries are essential in the grading process, as they define the score ranges required for each GCSE grade. They ensure consistency and fairness in awarding grades, reflecting the relative performance of all GCSE students in a given exam series. These boundaries significantly impact students' final grades, influencing their academic progression, eligibility for further education, and career opportunities.

When teachers mark student work, particularly end-of-unit assessments, the thing that GCSE students often look for first is the grade the work has achieved. This is because grades have such a significant impact on their academic progression. But, it is essential to recognise the difference between grades and your knowledge and understanding.

To improve your grade you need to focus not just on your knowledge and understanding but how you apply this to the questions in the exams. Using websites such as Save My Exams for your GCSEcan help you gain the exam skills you need to improve your grades.

How are GCSE grade boundaries set?

Exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel and OCR have a meticulous process in place for determining where the grade boundaries should be for each exam series. The process involves several factors:

  • Exam Difficulty: For each new exam series, new GCSE questions are written by a team of subject specialists. Therefore, with each new GCSE exam series there are minor fluctuations in the level of difficulty of each paper in comparison to previous years. If a cohort of GCSE students finds an exam particularly challenging, then the grade boundaries will be lowered slightly to compensate and vice versa. This ensures the consistency of GCSE grades from one year to the next.

  • Statistical Analysis: Exam boards use statistics from previous cohorts of GCSE students to inform how they set GCSE grade boundaries. Each cohort's results for each GCSE subject are compared to those of previous years to ensure consistency in grading standards. Previous attainment data of the current cohort can also be used as a benchmark. Particular attention is paid to those students around the grade boundaries to ensure they are set fairly.

  • Moderation: A sample of exam papers from each GCSE exam will be sent for moderation. Moderation is a second round of marking by another examiner to ensure that the marks awarded are consistent and fair.

  • Examiner Judgements: Experienced examiners will review a sample of exam papers from each GCSE exam. They will look at papers scoring a range of marks and compare them to papers from previous years. They will make recommendations to the exam boards on where they think the grade boundaries should be set.

Using grade boundaries to improve your results

By incorporating grade boundaries into your revision process, you can gain a clearer picture of the level you're currently working at and pinpoint exactly where you need to improve. Begin by selecting a GCSE past paper for your chosen subject and sitting it under timed exam conditions. Complete all the GCSE papers from that year's exam series, then use the official mark scheme or ask a friend or family member to score your work.

Add up your total marks from all the papers, then consult the corresponding year's grade boundaries to determine your working grade. Take note of how many marks you need to reach the next grade up, and reflect on any areas of weakness. For example: Did you struggle with time management? Did you find certain topics challenging? Focus your revision on these weaker areas, using notes, practice questions, and flashcards to build confidence.

Next, choose a different year's GCSE papers and repeat the process to gauge your improvement. Keep in mind that for 2021 and 2022 GCSE exams, grade boundaries were adjusted due to the impact of COVID-19, so these particular sets of papers may not provide an accurate reflection of the GCSE grade boundaries.

Conclusion: understanding GCSE grade boundaries in 2024

Grade boundaries ensure fairness and consistency across across different years. By reviewing past grade boundaries, you can measure your current performance, gain insight into how many extra marks you need, and set realistic targets. This level of understanding can improve your technique and boost your chances of achieving a higher grade.

AQA Grade Boundaries by year

Edexcel Grade Boundaries by year

OCR Grade Boundaries by year

Got questions?
We've got answers

Knowing the grade boundaries for the subjects you are studying is helpful for you to understand the threshold that you need to meet to achieve a certain grade.

Grade boundaries are changed each year to account for changes in exam difficulty and changes in student performance. A particularly difficult exam may result in lower grade boundaries.

Grade boundaries for GCSE 2024 vary by exam board (e.g., AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel) and subject. These boundaries indicate the minimum number of marks required to achieve each grade, from Grade 1 (lowest) to Grade 9 (highest).

Exam boards set their grade boundaries using a combination of statistical analysis, moderation and examiner judgement whilst also taking into account the difficulty of the exam papers when compared to previous years.

A grade 4 is a standard pass. This is the minimum grade you need for college and employment, so you should be aiming for at least a grade 4 in your 2024 GCSE exams. If you get a grade 3 or below in maths or English, you will likely need to resit or retake an equivalent qualification. A grade 5 is a strong pass. Grades 6 to 9 are above average and demonstrate a higher level of achievement

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