What is a 4 in GCSE?
DIS Academic Team
Education Specialist · 7 May 2026
A grade 4 in GCSE is a standard pass.
England's GCSEs moved from an A*–G letter system to a 9–1 number system. Grade 9 is the highest. Grade 1 is the lowest. A grade 4 lines up roughly with the old C grade.
There are two pass levels under the current system. A grade 4 is a standard pass. A grade 5 is a strong pass. Both count as passing, but some schools prefer a 5 for certain subjects.
Here is how the new grades compare to the old letter grades:
| New Grade (9–1) | Old Grade (A*–G) | Pass Level |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Above A* | Strong pass |
| 7 | A | Strong pass |
| 5 | High C / Low B | Strong pass |
| 4 | C | Standard pass |
| 3 | D | Below pass |
| 1 | G | Below pass |
The table above shows approximate comparisons. Boundaries shift each year, so treat these as a general guide rather than exact matches.
Most colleges and sixth forms ask for a minimum of grade 4 in English and maths. Employers who list GCSE requirements usually mean a grade 4 or above as well.
Does a 4 limit your options? Not really. It meets the standard entry bar for A-Level study and most vocational courses. Some competitive programmes ask for grade 5 or higher, so check each school's entry policy.
If you're studying through an online school or following a home schooling approach, the grading system works exactly the same way. Cambridge IGCSE uses a slightly different scale (A*–G), but universities and employers treat both qualifications equally.
At Digital International School, students study Cambridge IGCSE through live lessons with qualified instructors. IGCSE programmes start from AED 500 per month for all subjects. Whether you're aiming for a standard pass or the top grades, structured teaching and regular feedback make a real difference.