FROM LETTERS TO NUMBERS- THE IGCSE GRADING CHANGE

- GATE academy

In recent years, students across England have seen a major shift in how their GCSEs are graded. Gone are the days of the familiar A* to G grades. In their place, a new numerical system from 9 to 1 has taken over — and it’s left many students, parents, and even some employers wondering: what do these new numbers really mean?

If you're a student working toward your GCSEs, or a parent trying to make sense of the changes, here's everything you need to know about the updated system and why it was introduced.

From Letters to Numbers: Why the Change? 

The move from letter grades (A*–G) to numbers (9–1) didn’t happen overnight. It was part of a broader reform of the secondary education system in England, spearheaded by the Department for Education. The goal? To make GCSEs more rigorous, provide clearer differentiation among high-achieving students, and bring the UK’s assessment model more in line with international education standards.

In the old system, an A* was the highest grade a student could achieve. But with the increasing number of students scoring top marks, it became harder to distinguish truly exceptional performances. That’s where grade 9 comes in — a new, elite mark designed to sit above the old A*.

One key change to note: under the new system, a grade 4 is considered a standard pass, and a grade 5 is considered a strong pass. This has become particularly important when it comes to university admissions or job applications, where institutions may specify the minimum grade needed.

For students, the change means a few things. First, it raises the bar for top marks. Grade 9s are intentionally difficult to achieve — only a small percentage of students are awarded this highest distinction.

Second, the new system aims to give a more accurate picture of performance. Rather than lumping a wide range of abilities into a single grade (e.g., a B), the numerical scale helps identify different achievement levels more precisely.

That said, the reforms also came with redesigned exams that are more challenging and focus more on final exams rather than coursework. For some students, this added pressure, but for others, it provided an opportunity to shine through deeper understanding and critical thinking.

Understandably, when the change first came into effect, there was some confusion among employers and universities. But now that the system has been fully rolled out across all subjects, most institutions are familiar with the new grading structure.

Universities typically require a minimum of a grade 4 or 5 in core subjects like English and Maths, depending on the course. Employers may also request a strong pass (grade 5) as a benchmark for literacy and numeracy skills.

The Transition Timeline 

The new grading system was introduced gradually, starting in 2017 with English Language, English Literature, and Maths. More subjects followed in 2018 and 2019. Now, nearly all GCSE subjects are assessed using the 9–1 scale, and the A*–G system is officially a thing of the past.

The change to the GCSE grading system represents more than just a new way to measure student success — it reflects a push toward higher standards and greater clarity in academic assessment.

While the new numbers might have caused some initial confusion, they ultimately aim to give students, parents, educators, and employers a clearer view of achievement and potential. Whether you’re aiming for that elusive grade 9 or striving for a strong pass, understanding how the system works is the first step to success.

Got questions about GCSE grading or how to prepare for exams? Drop them in the comments — or get in touch, and we’ll help demystify it all!