What is the GCSE grading system?
DIS Academic Team
Education Specialist · 8 May 2026
The GCSE grading system runs from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest), replacing the old A* to G letter grades.
England introduced this numbered scale in 2017. The change made it easier to distinguish between top-performing students. Three number grades now cover what used to be a single A* or A.
The table below shows how the old letter grades map onto the current number grades.
| Number Grade | Old Letter Equivalent | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Above A* | Top of the highest performers |
| 8 | Between A* and A | Well above expected standard |
| 7 | A | Above expected standard |
| 5–6 | High B to low B | Strong pass |
| 4 | Low C | Standard pass |
| 3–1 | D to G | Below standard pass |
A grade 4 is the minimum most employers and colleges accept. A grade 5 is what the government calls a strong pass.
Cambridge IGCSE papers still use the A* to G letter scale. This is worth knowing if your child studies through online schooling or homeschooling, because the grading may differ from what local schools use.
Both systems are widely recognised. Universities and employers understand the letter and number scales equally well. Neither puts a student at a disadvantage.
For families choosing homeschooling or online schooling, the key factors when picking a GCSE or IGCSE programme are:
- Live teaching with qualified instructors
- Structured timetable and assignment tracking
- Clear exam registration guidance
- Access to past papers and mark schemes
- Regular progress reports
At Digital International School, students follow the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum with live lessons from qualified, GCC-based instructors — starting from AED 500 per month for all subjects.
Whether your child sits numbered GCSEs or lettered IGCSEs, what matters most is strong teaching and consistent support throughout the course.