Changes in GCSE Grading... what is the effect?
The Grade 9 will be awarded to approximately 20% of the learners who achieve a Grade 7 or above. This will result in fewer learners achieving the new Grade 9 than the number who currently achieve an A*.
The Grade 9 will be awarded to approximately 20% of the learners who achieve a Grade 7 or above. This will result in fewer learners achieving the new Grade 9 than the number who currently achieve an A*.
In summer 2019, when the new letter grades are awarded, the A* will be adjusted to reflect the Grade 9. This will mean that proportionally fewer learners will achieved an A* from 2019.
The introduction of the Grade C* will reduce the number of learners achieving a Grade B. The Grade B will align with the Grade 6 in the numeric scale.
The new Letter and Numeric scales will introduce more grades at the higher end of the grading scale. This allows for greater differentiation among higher achieving students.
There will be no advantage or disadvantage to taking qualifications with Letter or Number grades.
All GCSEs regardless of whether they are graded using letters or numbers will continue to reflect learners’ achievements. Employers, colleges and universities will recognise and value the grades awarded. They will manage these changes as they manage applications from Scotland, ROI and further afield, which all have different qualifications and grading systems.