The reformed GCSEs will use a new grading structure, using grades from 9 (the highest) to 1 (the lowest). There isn’t a one-to-one mapping between the new numeric grades, and the current A*–G grades, but the two systems will be aligned at key grades:

• Grade 1 (lowest grade) will be aligned to the bottom of the current grade G, so that approximately the same number of students who currently get grade G or better will get a grade 1 or better.
• The bottom of grade 4 will be aligned to the bottom of grade C, so just as with the grade 1 and grade G, approximately the same number of students who currently get a grade C or above will get a grade 4 or above.
• The bottom of grade 7 is aligned to the bottom of grade A.
• The top grade 9 will be awarded using a different method. 20% of students who achieve a mark at grade 7 or above will be awarded the grade 9. The bottom of grade 8 will be set midway between the grade 7 and grade 9 boundaries.

This new structure means that there are fewer grades for the lower ability ranges: grades 1,2, and 3, compared to grades G, F, E and D. For the mid to high ability range, the new grading structure has more grades available, so that it will be possible to differentiate better between students: grades 4–9 (six grades), compared to C–A* (four grades)

Tiering in the new GCSEs

GCSEs in mathematics, the sciences and modern foreign languages will continue to be tiered. The foundation tier will target grades 5–1, so that students entered for the foundation tier still have the possibility of achieving a ‘strong pass’. The higher tier will target grades 9–4, so grades 4 and 5 will be available on both tiers.

Does this apply to all reformed GCSEs?

Although we are still waiting for final confirmation for GCSE subjects first taught from 2016 onwards (all subjects apart from GCSEs in maths, English language, English literature), we expect this structure to apply to all reformed GCSEs. More information about the New GCSE Grading Structure and other information on the current reforms to qualifications in England can be viewed on Ofqual's website.

About the author

Dr Frances Wilson - Principal Researcher

Dr Frances Wilson is the Principal Researcher for OCR’s Research and Technical Standards team, part of the Assessment Standards Team at OCR. Frances and her team carry out valuable research and technical studies to underpin the development and delivery of OCR’s qualifications. OCR is part of Cambridge Assessment which is a department of the University of Cambridge.