GCSE Grades Explained: A Parent’s Guide to the 9-1 System
If you went to school when grades were A to G*, the modern 9-1 grading system for GCSEs can feel like a foreign language.
You might hear your child say, “I got a 5 in Maths,” and wonder: Is that good? Is it an A? Is it a pass?
At FocusFirst Tutors, we specialize in decoding the UK National Curriculum. We wrote this guide to demystify the numbers so you know exactly where your child stands heading into the exam season.
The Conversion Table: New Numbers vs. Old Letters
The 9-1 system was designed by the government to differentiate the top students more effectively. There is no direct 1-to-1 match for every grade, but here is the official breakdown:
| New Grade (9-1) | Old Grade Equivalent | What it Means |
| 9 | High A* | The Top 3% (Elite Performance) |
| 8 | Low A / High A* | Outstanding |
| 7 | A | Excellent |
| 6 | High B | Good |
| 5 | Low B / High C | Strong Pass (The Goal) |
| 4 | C | Standard Pass |
| 3 | D | Below Pass |
| 2 | E | Fail |
| 1 | F/G | Fail |
The Critical Difference: Grade 4 vs. Grade 5
This is the most important distinction for parents to understand.
- Grade 4 (Standard Pass): This is the minimum requirement. If your child gets a 4 in Maths and English Language, they do not need to retake them in College or Sixth Form. It is technically a pass.
- Grade 5 (Strong Pass): This is the benchmark for competitive Sixth Forms, Russell Group Universities, and many employers. It demonstrates a deeper understanding of the subject.
The Strategy: If your child is currently working at a Grade 3 or 4, they are on the “borderline.” Moving them to a solid Grade 5 opens significantly more doors for their future.
How to Jump a Grade Boundary
Moving from a 4 to a 5, or a 7 to a 9, requires more than just doing homework. It requires Exam Technique.
Each exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) has a specific “Mark Scheme.”
- Keywords: In Science, missing a specific keyword (like “active transport”) can cost you the mark, even if your explanation is correct.
- Method Marks: In Maths, showing your working out clearly can get you 3 marks even if the final answer is wrong.
Support for Year 10 and Year 11
Don’t wait until the mocks in Year 11 to start preparing.
At FocusFirst Tutors, we provide specialized support for the UK curriculum. We don’t just teach the subject; we teach the exam.
- Past Paper Practice: We use real AQA/Edexcel questions.
- Targeted Revision: We identify if your child is losing marks in Algebra, Geometry, or Probability.
- Flexible Support: Book sessions only when you need them.
👉 [Stuck at a Grade 4? Book a Free Assessment]
Click here to see how we can help your child jump a grade boundary with a personalized revision plan.